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Shielded Hearts #2
No Pressure
Joey James has given up on his ‘Prince Charming’. There is no such thing, he needs to be realistic about his chances of finding a lasting relationship. A chance encounter with a former school mate at the local grocery store changes everything-maybe.
Before Joey can decide what to do about it, he is swept into a terrifying scheme. Forced into helping a dangerous stranger in exchange for his family’s safety, Joey begins a perilous journey into the criminal underbelly of Skagit. He will do whatever is needed to protect his family.
Buck Swanfeldt had a secret crush on Joey James in high school. Buck’s social anxiety and two-year age difference made it impossible for him to approach Joey then. Life since high school has been challenging, and lonely. Eight years later, fate brings them together and Buck decides to act. He utterly fails. He would have left it at that, except fate seems to be intent on pushing Joey in his direction, and clearly, Joey needs someone at his back.
Dark, sordid secrets hiding in Skagit are bubbling to the surface, danger lurks in unexpected places. Buck has never been anyone’s hero but something about Joey has him throwing caution to the wind. Together the two men take on a dangerous force greater than themselves. But sometimes our worst enemy is ourselves.
*warning may need a tissue!
This book is a work of fiction intended for mature audiences only.
Before Joey can decide what to do about it, he is swept into a terrifying scheme. Forced into helping a dangerous stranger in exchange for his family’s safety, Joey begins a perilous journey into the criminal underbelly of Skagit. He will do whatever is needed to protect his family.
Buck Swanfeldt had a secret crush on Joey James in high school. Buck’s social anxiety and two-year age difference made it impossible for him to approach Joey then. Life since high school has been challenging, and lonely. Eight years later, fate brings them together and Buck decides to act. He utterly fails. He would have left it at that, except fate seems to be intent on pushing Joey in his direction, and clearly, Joey needs someone at his back.
Dark, sordid secrets hiding in Skagit are bubbling to the surface, danger lurks in unexpected places. Buck has never been anyone’s hero but something about Joey has him throwing caution to the wind. Together the two men take on a dangerous force greater than themselves. But sometimes our worst enemy is ourselves.
*warning may need a tissue!
This book is a work of fiction intended for mature audiences only.
222 pages, ebook
First published March 7, 2017
162 people are currently reading
275 people want to read
About the author
Elle Keaton
52 books546 followersElle Keaton is a writer, avid reader, and amateur cat-wrangler. Her love of romance novels has led her to a life of creating her own happy ever afters. She is the author of the best selling series' Shielded Hearts and Veiled Intentions. Keaton hails from the Pacific Northwest, where she lives with her husband and cats.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 74 reviews
December 8, 2018
***4.5 Stars***
Everyone has secrets. Secrets that should never be brought into the light of day. Secrets that are lurking under the surface of a small town and threaten to unravel its countryside idyll and ideal world.
Secrets two men involuntarily participate in, which not only causes quite a stir, but will change their life forever.
For Joey James, the nurse we already met in the previous book Storm Season, two things almost happen at once: a random encounter at a grocery store with a former schoolmate who never even was on his radar, but whom he suddenly cannot get out of his head and an alarming picture on the windshield of his car meant to blackmail him into helping out a criminal individual or otherwise his family would come to harm. Both are things Joey is in over his head, but it soon becomes apparent that the former will - and is even bound and determined to- help him coping with the latter.
Joey, the nestling of a big family, is a caring person by nature. That is the reason why he will be exploited over and over again by his much older siblings to take care of his parents. That is the reason why he takes in a stray, although there a no dogs allowed in his appartment. That is also the reason why he loves his job at the hospital, which causes him lately more trouble than he prefers.
But Joey is lonely. The prospects to find someone who wants to share your life as a gay young man in a small town are pretty rare. When he meets a shy and socially awkward man who apparently knows him from yore and who immediately takes flight after a moment of embarrassment, he is curious about the conundrum that is Buck Swanfeldt, owner of the local garage. Fate seems to be intent on bringing both men together and after bumping into each other repeatedly, Buck slowly but surely becomes a safe haven for Joey.
As much as I loved Joey, it was Buck I loved more. Maybe because I could totally relate to him, being more on the shy side and socially awkward myself. I know how it would feel to screw up one's courage to address someone you had a crush on for years. I could virtually feel his embarrassment, but I admired him for doing something that would have been like a milestone in his life, but I could also understand his need to bolt when sliding into an awkward situation.
Buck always felt a bit like an outcast. He learned early on in his life that appearance is everything. His parents always pretended outwardly to be a loving family, while a look behind the curtain would have revealed a father who liked to bully his son at every chance he got and a mother who stood idly by.
I loved Buck for his fortitude to make something of his life, despite the low self-esteem his parents conveyed at him at every turn. He is the gentle giant you tend to underestimate and who never recognizes himself how gorgeous he really is.
And it was far from easy. Buck also lived constantly in fear of ending up like his father, but his inner strength helps him to acknowledge that he needs professional helpt to overcome his social anxiety and to get a chance at a love-filled life. Oh, and I loved him for grabbing the chance at love when it presented itself...
It was great to be back in Skagit. Elle Keaton creates an atmosphere that makes you not only just read the story, but feel like being part of it, like being there. Well, I could have done without all the rain and snow, but that just conveyed a feeling of reality. ;-) And the great characters did one more thing to make it authentic. I loved the humor in the story and the tentative pace the author brought the relationship between Joey and Buck forward. This might have happened a bit at the expense of steam, but it did not bother me one bit. Joey and Buck's relationship was just sweet and both are the perfect match.
The mystery part that forged a bridge between the first two books in this series was wrapped up nicely, but it took a bit of a backseat regarding the romance and all in all it was the perfect combination of both.
There are also a lot of interesting side characters I would love to read more about. Some of them I already shipped so hard, I can hardly wait to see if I am right and I wonder if -no, I hope- all of them will get their own book...
Everyone has secrets. Secrets that should never be brought into the light of day. Secrets that are lurking under the surface of a small town and threaten to unravel its countryside idyll and ideal world.
Secrets two men involuntarily participate in, which not only causes quite a stir, but will change their life forever.
For Joey James, the nurse we already met in the previous book Storm Season, two things almost happen at once: a random encounter at a grocery store with a former schoolmate who never even was on his radar, but whom he suddenly cannot get out of his head and an alarming picture on the windshield of his car meant to blackmail him into helping out a criminal individual or otherwise his family would come to harm. Both are things Joey is in over his head, but it soon becomes apparent that the former will - and is even bound and determined to- help him coping with the latter.
Joey, the nestling of a big family, is a caring person by nature. That is the reason why he will be exploited over and over again by his much older siblings to take care of his parents. That is the reason why he takes in a stray, although there a no dogs allowed in his appartment. That is also the reason why he loves his job at the hospital, which causes him lately more trouble than he prefers.
He'd been thinking with his heart, with the part of him that hated pain and suffering, with the part of him that fiercely protected those he loved. It wasn't stupid to care. That's how he was built: he cared, often too much and too soon.
But Joey is lonely. The prospects to find someone who wants to share your life as a gay young man in a small town are pretty rare. When he meets a shy and socially awkward man who apparently knows him from yore and who immediately takes flight after a moment of embarrassment, he is curious about the conundrum that is Buck Swanfeldt, owner of the local garage. Fate seems to be intent on bringing both men together and after bumping into each other repeatedly, Buck slowly but surely becomes a safe haven for Joey.
As much as I loved Joey, it was Buck I loved more. Maybe because I could totally relate to him, being more on the shy side and socially awkward myself. I know how it would feel to screw up one's courage to address someone you had a crush on for years. I could virtually feel his embarrassment, but I admired him for doing something that would have been like a milestone in his life, but I could also understand his need to bolt when sliding into an awkward situation.
Buck always felt a bit like an outcast. He learned early on in his life that appearance is everything. His parents always pretended outwardly to be a loving family, while a look behind the curtain would have revealed a father who liked to bully his son at every chance he got and a mother who stood idly by.
Buck learned early to be seen and not heard, to listen for the undercurrents, to be very careful how he presented to his family and to Skagit. He figured they would never accept him for who he was, only who they wanted him to be.
I loved Buck for his fortitude to make something of his life, despite the low self-esteem his parents conveyed at him at every turn. He is the gentle giant you tend to underestimate and who never recognizes himself how gorgeous he really is.
And it was far from easy. Buck also lived constantly in fear of ending up like his father, but his inner strength helps him to acknowledge that he needs professional helpt to overcome his social anxiety and to get a chance at a love-filled life. Oh, and I loved him for grabbing the chance at love when it presented itself...
It was great to be back in Skagit. Elle Keaton creates an atmosphere that makes you not only just read the story, but feel like being part of it, like being there. Well, I could have done without all the rain and snow, but that just conveyed a feeling of reality. ;-) And the great characters did one more thing to make it authentic. I loved the humor in the story and the tentative pace the author brought the relationship between Joey and Buck forward. This might have happened a bit at the expense of steam, but it did not bother me one bit. Joey and Buck's relationship was just sweet and both are the perfect match.
The mystery part that forged a bridge between the first two books in this series was wrapped up nicely, but it took a bit of a backseat regarding the romance and all in all it was the perfect combination of both.
There are also a lot of interesting side characters I would love to read more about. Some of them I already shipped so hard, I can hardly wait to see if I am right and I wonder if -no, I hope- all of them will get their own book...
This review has been posted on Dirty Books Obsession
March 29, 2019
Another wonderful story by Ms Keaton! I loved it! The city of Skagit shapes up to be a cesspit of illegal activity! So many secrets hidden for years, and now it's all coming to light! I loved how suspenseful the book was. From start to finish it kept me wondering what will happen next. The characters were so likable! This is the beginning of happy ever after for Joey and Buck.
Joey is a nurse with a big heart and dreams of his prince charming. He is still young but for whatever reason his Mr. Right has not shown up yet, and he is starting to wonder if he ever will. Now, Joey is smart, compassionate and good-looking, what could possibly be the matter? The thing is with Joey that he wants it all right away, and he has no patience about waiting for it to develop and grow. It took danger and a right man to show him that it takes time to build something solid, that it was alright to take things slow. I liked Joey a lot. Even with his sometimes hazardous decisions his heart was in the right place when he ran headlong into danger.
Buck is a local mechanic. He is shy and unsure of himself. His life was never easy. On the surface he is a successful local businessman but on the inside he is a man who is uncomfortable in his own skin. He like everyone else wants that someone to come home to, to share a life with. But how will that happen when he does not feel adequate? But even after couple of disastrous attempts to start something Joey when he sees that something is not right, he proves to be a man to be reckoned with. I loved how Buck wanted to be the partner Joey needed and went for help to get better. His family issues made hide from the world, they festered inside him for so long that he was not living - he was just existing until Joey finally woke him up. Buck was so sweet, romantic and just adorable at times, and I could not help but love him.
This book was low on steam but relationship wise it was awesome. These two men came together in the end and started something that with time will grow into a beautiful happy life. I loved the measured pace, I loved the investigation, the humor, the side characters that made this book a fantastic read for me! Lovely series that I will definitely continue reading!
Joey is a nurse with a big heart and dreams of his prince charming. He is still young but for whatever reason his Mr. Right has not shown up yet, and he is starting to wonder if he ever will. Now, Joey is smart, compassionate and good-looking, what could possibly be the matter? The thing is with Joey that he wants it all right away, and he has no patience about waiting for it to develop and grow. It took danger and a right man to show him that it takes time to build something solid, that it was alright to take things slow. I liked Joey a lot. Even with his sometimes hazardous decisions his heart was in the right place when he ran headlong into danger.
Buck is a local mechanic. He is shy and unsure of himself. His life was never easy. On the surface he is a successful local businessman but on the inside he is a man who is uncomfortable in his own skin. He like everyone else wants that someone to come home to, to share a life with. But how will that happen when he does not feel adequate? But even after couple of disastrous attempts to start something Joey when he sees that something is not right, he proves to be a man to be reckoned with. I loved how Buck wanted to be the partner Joey needed and went for help to get better. His family issues made hide from the world, they festered inside him for so long that he was not living - he was just existing until Joey finally woke him up. Buck was so sweet, romantic and just adorable at times, and I could not help but love him.
This book was low on steam but relationship wise it was awesome. These two men came together in the end and started something that with time will grow into a beautiful happy life. I loved the measured pace, I loved the investigation, the humor, the side characters that made this book a fantastic read for me! Lovely series that I will definitely continue reading!
April 10, 2017
4.5 stars
Wow, I liked this even more than the first one! The characters, especially Joey and Buck, were engaging and I was able to relate to them on a deep, personal level. The storyline that was carried over from book 1 was wrapped up here in a satisfying and realistic way. Joey was a bit TSTL at times but it worked for me because it's in his nature to care for others, even to his own detriment.
Buck, now... Buck has earned a special place in my pocket and in my heart. Buck's a gentle giant. He's so innocent and awkward and he stumbles over his words when trying to talk to Joey and I just love him so. There's an instant attraction between him and Joey that has Buck so far out of his comfort zone he doesn't know whether to scratch his watch or wind his butt. It was a delight to watch him gather up his courage to pursue Joey, who, frankly, didn't need any encouragement. Buck is hotness personified (think Thor with the temperament of Gentle Ben). He's so adorable I just want to eat him up!
One of the things I loved the most about this book is the realism. Even with a fantastical storyline of mobsters, kidnapping, trafficking and whatnot, everything rang true to me. The relationship was anything but rushed and the fact that Buck realized he needed time on his own to get his head on straight and actually seeking out therapy before pursuing anything further with Joey was so refreshing to read.
Now, the blurb warns that tissues may be needed. I didn't agree with that at first. In truth I didn't agree with that for 98% of the book. But, damned if I didn't cry at the end. They were happy tears, but I did experience some serious facial leakage.
Elle Keaton is proving to be a masterful storyteller and I'm eager to see what she does next. This author is one to watch for, folks. The lady has some serious talent.
April 4, 2017
Joey James has returned to the small town of Skagit, Washington. He works in the ER at St. Joe’s, and loves it. He’s a little flirty, always happy, and is an all-around caring person. He’s been looking for that one special person, but still finds himself alone.
Joey was a definite surprise to his family, his siblings are much older, and when he graduated at sixteen, his parents were in their sixties. His parents always accepted who he was, and provided all the love and support he needed. Maureen, Joey’s mom, still resides in the family home, and his dad is now in a care facility. Maureen keeps the large house in hopes that one day her children and grandchildren may visit.
Buck Swanfeldt has never left Skagit. He and Joey don’t really know each other. Joey was a few years ahead of Buck in school, so they never connected. Buck now owns his father’s garage, which he started working in at the age of eight. Buck never knew how to have a conversation with his parents—the only thing he could talk about with his dad was cars—but there were times when he hated talking about cars and had always wished for a better relationship with his father.
When Joey discovers he’s being stalked, he moves back to his mom’s and adopts Xena, a shelter dog, for protection. He’s scared to death to tell anyone what he’s seen and done. When Buck gets suspicious, he has his reasons to contact Micah, who gets Adam involved. Once again, Buck finds himself being dragged into the ugly world of human trafficking and child abuse.
What really clicked for me about this sequel was the way Elle Keaton gives readers an in-depth look at the diversity of Buck and Joey’s personalities and upbringing. Joey is more experienced with his sexuality, and Buck’s only experience was a disaster. Buck knows one thing for sure, though. Other men don’t rev his engine like Joey does. Buck is an innocent, to a certain degree, and the way his parents treated him causes him to have to face his emotional issues. There are moments when things are sexy and sweet between Joey and Buck, but it’s a gradual learning about each other. It’s heartrending when Buck struggles with his fears and past abuse and has an emotional break down. Buck recognizes the need for help, and it’s a little heartbreaking when he tells Joey he needs time.
Storm Season, book one in the Accidental Roots series, is a must read first because it gives more detail about Micah, Adam and Buck’s involvement in the mystery that continues in No Pressure. I liked that the plot picked up where Storm Seasons left off, and that many of my favorite characters got to return. Two new additions are Kon and Xena, who bring many heartwarming moments to the storyline.
I really enjoyed No Pressure and hope that Elle Keaton will create more mysteries with the entertaining group of characters who inhabit the town of Skagit.
Reviewed by Maryann for The Novel Approach Reviews
Joey was a definite surprise to his family, his siblings are much older, and when he graduated at sixteen, his parents were in their sixties. His parents always accepted who he was, and provided all the love and support he needed. Maureen, Joey’s mom, still resides in the family home, and his dad is now in a care facility. Maureen keeps the large house in hopes that one day her children and grandchildren may visit.
Buck Swanfeldt has never left Skagit. He and Joey don’t really know each other. Joey was a few years ahead of Buck in school, so they never connected. Buck now owns his father’s garage, which he started working in at the age of eight. Buck never knew how to have a conversation with his parents—the only thing he could talk about with his dad was cars—but there were times when he hated talking about cars and had always wished for a better relationship with his father.
When Joey discovers he’s being stalked, he moves back to his mom’s and adopts Xena, a shelter dog, for protection. He’s scared to death to tell anyone what he’s seen and done. When Buck gets suspicious, he has his reasons to contact Micah, who gets Adam involved. Once again, Buck finds himself being dragged into the ugly world of human trafficking and child abuse.
What really clicked for me about this sequel was the way Elle Keaton gives readers an in-depth look at the diversity of Buck and Joey’s personalities and upbringing. Joey is more experienced with his sexuality, and Buck’s only experience was a disaster. Buck knows one thing for sure, though. Other men don’t rev his engine like Joey does. Buck is an innocent, to a certain degree, and the way his parents treated him causes him to have to face his emotional issues. There are moments when things are sexy and sweet between Joey and Buck, but it’s a gradual learning about each other. It’s heartrending when Buck struggles with his fears and past abuse and has an emotional break down. Buck recognizes the need for help, and it’s a little heartbreaking when he tells Joey he needs time.
Storm Season, book one in the Accidental Roots series, is a must read first because it gives more detail about Micah, Adam and Buck’s involvement in the mystery that continues in No Pressure. I liked that the plot picked up where Storm Seasons left off, and that many of my favorite characters got to return. Two new additions are Kon and Xena, who bring many heartwarming moments to the storyline.
I really enjoyed No Pressure and hope that Elle Keaton will create more mysteries with the entertaining group of characters who inhabit the town of Skagit.
Reviewed by Maryann for The Novel Approach Reviews
March 7, 2021
Props to Elle Keaton for making No Pressure book two in the Accidental Roots series considerably better than book one. 3.5 stars rounded up to 4 because I was seriously impressed at home much this book improved.
Not going to go into the description of the book, there is no point. Read the blurb and it will tell you everything you need to know about this book. I will say that I do suggest reading book one Storm Season before you go into this book. The characters from book one are in this book and the story does carry over in a continuation of sorts.
Buck was the real winner in this book for me. His childhood was terrible, and he was put in a position that really brought a lot of the old trauma back to him causing him what I would call a serious case of PTSD. He told Joey what he needed and there was no big drama for him wanting to get the care that he needed to make him a better person for not only himself but for Joey. That really made me love him even more than I originally did.
Joey was a sweetheart, truly. He did get mixed up in a serious shady situation, but he did what he thought was best for keeping the people he loved safe. It did take him a little longer to come around to the idea that Buck just needed help and that it wasn't something he did to make Buck need that time. Not a bad thing, just worth mentioning.
I really loved the suspense and I felt like this story was laid out so much better than book one. It wasn't nearly as choppy and by the time a page break came around or a chapter ended, I was happy with the way it ended. There is still more room for improvement, but I would like to see how book three plays out with Weir and Sterling.
Not going to go into the description of the book, there is no point. Read the blurb and it will tell you everything you need to know about this book. I will say that I do suggest reading book one Storm Season before you go into this book. The characters from book one are in this book and the story does carry over in a continuation of sorts.
Buck was the real winner in this book for me. His childhood was terrible, and he was put in a position that really brought a lot of the old trauma back to him causing him what I would call a serious case of PTSD. He told Joey what he needed and there was no big drama for him wanting to get the care that he needed to make him a better person for not only himself but for Joey. That really made me love him even more than I originally did.
Joey was a sweetheart, truly. He did get mixed up in a serious shady situation, but he did what he thought was best for keeping the people he loved safe. It did take him a little longer to come around to the idea that Buck just needed help and that it wasn't something he did to make Buck need that time. Not a bad thing, just worth mentioning.
I really loved the suspense and I felt like this story was laid out so much better than book one. It wasn't nearly as choppy and by the time a page break came around or a chapter ended, I was happy with the way it ended. There is still more room for improvement, but I would like to see how book three plays out with Weir and Sterling.
September 1, 2020
~ Witty ~ Entertaining ~ Romantic ~ Easy To Read ~ Page Turner ~ Funny ~
Unlike others who have reviewed this series so far, I actually enjoyed the first book more. That does not mean this wasn't good. I loved the continuation of the story here and I really loved the characters both the main characters and the side characters. This has definitely become one of my favorite series and I look forward to reading more.
Unlike others who have reviewed this series so far, I actually enjoyed the first book more. That does not mean this wasn't good. I loved the continuation of the story here and I really loved the characters both the main characters and the side characters. This has definitely become one of my favorite series and I look forward to reading more.
July 9, 2020
3.75 stars
This one to me was a lot better, the writing style didn’t worry me at all.
I really enjoyed the storyline in this one. Reading the blurb I had a few things I was watching for that would have disappointed me but happily they were shut down quickly.
I liked Joey and his need to help people. I was worried after he went to the kids that he was going to leave it at that and still can’t really understand why he didn’t involve some of the feds. He knew them from before so to me it was a simple deduction, but he got them in the end. I did enjoy how the feds all shut down their sleuthing pretty quickly, even though they wanted to investigate they were reprimanded when caught.
Buck was lovely, I felt for him and liked that he got himself help. Maybe I didn’t understand properly but his issues seemed to come out of the blue for me, but I did like that he went and got help before really starting things with Joey.
I loved how Kon’s storyline worked out, I will admit I did want it to go another way but the way it did worked for me too.
This one to me was a lot better, the writing style didn’t worry me at all.
I really enjoyed the storyline in this one. Reading the blurb I had a few things I was watching for that would have disappointed me but happily they were shut down quickly.
I liked Joey and his need to help people. I was worried after he went to the kids that he was going to leave it at that and still can’t really understand why he didn’t involve some of the feds. He knew them from before so to me it was a simple deduction, but he got them in the end. I did enjoy how the feds all shut down their sleuthing pretty quickly, even though they wanted to investigate they were reprimanded when caught.
Buck was lovely, I felt for him and liked that he got himself help. Maybe I didn’t understand properly but his issues seemed to come out of the blue for me, but I did like that he went and got help before really starting things with Joey.
I loved how Kon’s storyline worked out, I will admit I did want it to go another way but the way it did worked for me too.
September 18, 2017
4/5 - This book is better than the first and features one of the best characters in the series yet: Buck.
The main MC of this book is Joey, who we met in the first Accidental Roots book, and I really liked him. He was a good supporting character in the first book and I was hoping that the next book would be about him. Joey was easy to relate to and despite this being a little bit of a mystery/suspense novel, I didn't get the cheezy feeling that I usually get with books like this. What I mean to say is that I loved that this book was realistic and there was nothing exaggerated or painted up to manipulate the plot for the author's liking. Keaton told it just like it was and it all made sense. These are the types of mystery/suspense novels I like to read.
And Buck, oh Buck. This guy is by far one of my favorite characters in this series. He's so huge but unsure of himself so he comes off as this very sweet but kinda socially awkward giant and reading about him flirting, or trying to flirt, with Joey just made my day! He kept stumbling over his words and he couldn't tell up from down or red from blue because all he had the time for was seeing Joey and trying to make Joey happy. It was hilarious becuase you could tell that he was embarrased and confused by how attracted to Joey he was but he still pulled up his britches like a big boy and went after what he wanted.
The only downside to this book in my opinion is that the story took a little bit of a backseat to the romance. In books where the romance is the main plot, that works well, but there was more to this book and I was hoping to get a more in-depth look at all of that. It seemed like the crazy note issue took a backseat for a while when Joey and Buck were getting reacquainted and growing closer together.
However, this was still a really great book. I liked it more than the first book in the series and it has me really excited to read the next one!
The main MC of this book is Joey, who we met in the first Accidental Roots book, and I really liked him. He was a good supporting character in the first book and I was hoping that the next book would be about him. Joey was easy to relate to and despite this being a little bit of a mystery/suspense novel, I didn't get the cheezy feeling that I usually get with books like this. What I mean to say is that I loved that this book was realistic and there was nothing exaggerated or painted up to manipulate the plot for the author's liking. Keaton told it just like it was and it all made sense. These are the types of mystery/suspense novels I like to read.
And Buck, oh Buck. This guy is by far one of my favorite characters in this series. He's so huge but unsure of himself so he comes off as this very sweet but kinda socially awkward giant and reading about him flirting, or trying to flirt, with Joey just made my day! He kept stumbling over his words and he couldn't tell up from down or red from blue because all he had the time for was seeing Joey and trying to make Joey happy. It was hilarious becuase you could tell that he was embarrased and confused by how attracted to Joey he was but he still pulled up his britches like a big boy and went after what he wanted.
The only downside to this book in my opinion is that the story took a little bit of a backseat to the romance. In books where the romance is the main plot, that works well, but there was more to this book and I was hoping to get a more in-depth look at all of that. It seemed like the crazy note issue took a backseat for a while when Joey and Buck were getting reacquainted and growing closer together.
However, this was still a really great book. I liked it more than the first book in the series and it has me really excited to read the next one!
November 27, 2020
Fast-moving and sweet
I’ve read books 1 & 5 of this series, so I know the books get better but this was good. I probably should have read the first one again, because I’d forgotten some details and side characters but I caught up pretty quick. I questioned some of the decisions Joey made and some of the law enforcement procedures but that didn’t slow the story down either. I loved Buck and angst from his childhood made me feel for him. Joey was kind of a idiot sometimes but he had good intentions. The slow burn on the romance matched Buck and Joey’s insecurities and inexperience. Good book and I’m hoping the rest are as good or better as this.
I’ve read books 1 & 5 of this series, so I know the books get better but this was good. I probably should have read the first one again, because I’d forgotten some details and side characters but I caught up pretty quick. I questioned some of the decisions Joey made and some of the law enforcement procedures but that didn’t slow the story down either. I loved Buck and angst from his childhood made me feel for him. Joey was kind of a idiot sometimes but he had good intentions. The slow burn on the romance matched Buck and Joey’s insecurities and inexperience. Good book and I’m hoping the rest are as good or better as this.
December 18, 2019
For the most part, I enjoyed this more than the first book. The pacing was better and it didn't feel as drawn out; however, the last few chapters were really anticlimactic and just didn't fit with the pacing of the rest of the book.
At one point Brandon Campbell pops up, and even though I just finished reading the first book, I'm horrible with names so I couldn't instantly recall who this was. It took me a minute to remember that Brandon is Micah's BFF from book one. Considering book one reminds readers who Jack Summers 15 chapters after his first appearance, even though he made numerous appearances in between that first appearance and the author's reminder of who he was, I found it odd that she didn't think to remind us who Brandon was when he made his first appearance in book 1 about 3/4 of the way in.
I did find it odd that Harry Potter is mentioned early on, but later it is kept vague and referred to as "orphaned wizard and his friends". Also, instead of saying "the Grinch", " that mean green children's book character". Seeing as HP is mentioned once, implying it later is redundant. But with both HP and the Grinch, it's not as though it would have been TM infringement.
I still feel like something is missing though with this book and probably the series as a whole. I don't really feel any connection between the MCs nor do I feel connected to them. In fact, I don't feel strongly about any of the characters one way or another. And not just the main characters, but all the side characters that I should feel some level of interest towards since they do have their own books later in the series. And maybe it is because there is lot of focus in involving all these characters that the main characters aren't given the attention MCs deserve. I'm going to step away from the series for now and see if I feel like picking it up again some point later on.
At one point Brandon Campbell pops up, and even though I just finished reading the first book, I'm horrible with names so I couldn't instantly recall who this was. It took me a minute to remember that Brandon is Micah's BFF from book one. Considering book one reminds readers who Jack Summers 15 chapters after his first appearance, even though he made numerous appearances in between that first appearance and the author's reminder of who he was, I found it odd that she didn't think to remind us who Brandon was when he made his first appearance in book 1 about 3/4 of the way in.
I did find it odd that Harry Potter is mentioned early on, but later it is kept vague and referred to as "orphaned wizard and his friends". Also, instead of saying "the Grinch", " that mean green children's book character". Seeing as HP is mentioned once, implying it later is redundant. But with both HP and the Grinch, it's not as though it would have been TM infringement.
I still feel like something is missing though with this book and probably the series as a whole. I don't really feel any connection between the MCs nor do I feel connected to them. In fact, I don't feel strongly about any of the characters one way or another. And not just the main characters, but all the side characters that I should feel some level of interest towards since they do have their own books later in the series. And maybe it is because there is lot of focus in involving all these characters that the main characters aren't given the attention MCs deserve. I'm going to step away from the series for now and see if I feel like picking it up again some point later on.
Read
August 30, 2017 A copy of this book was given in exchange for an honest review.
Review previously at BMBR.
Okay. Well the truth is, this book was on my review list. I read and reviewed the first book and loved it - but I've got about a third of the way into it and am struggling with this one. Sometimes, if I'm struggling I go and look at others' reviews, to see if I can work out what it is I'm missing - or sometimes to see if I'm the only one with the problem!
In this case, one of the first reviews that came up was that of fellow unicorn and FABULOUS reviewer, Jenni Lea. God-dammit, I must be wrong, because, as you can see, she adored this book. Now, I'm still struggling to get into it, but it's been on my review list for a while so I wanted to get my outta date reviews up to date. Rather than just DNFing and giving the broken-heart review (I don't like to rate if I've not finished unless there is a strong reason why I've DNF'd) I asked Jenni Lea if she'd mind me posting her (fabulous) review, along with my DNF one. Of course she didn't because she's amazing like that!
I'm not saying no to this book forever, but for now it's a case of it's not you, it's me. Read Jenni Lea's review and she'll tell you all about her love for this book.
Review previously at BMBR.
Okay. Well the truth is, this book was on my review list. I read and reviewed the first book and loved it - but I've got about a third of the way into it and am struggling with this one. Sometimes, if I'm struggling I go and look at others' reviews, to see if I can work out what it is I'm missing - or sometimes to see if I'm the only one with the problem!
In this case, one of the first reviews that came up was that of fellow unicorn and FABULOUS reviewer, Jenni Lea. God-dammit, I must be wrong, because, as you can see, she adored this book. Now, I'm still struggling to get into it, but it's been on my review list for a while so I wanted to get my outta date reviews up to date. Rather than just DNFing and giving the broken-heart review (I don't like to rate if I've not finished unless there is a strong reason why I've DNF'd) I asked Jenni Lea if she'd mind me posting her (fabulous) review, along with my DNF one. Of course she didn't because she's amazing like that!
I'm not saying no to this book forever, but for now it's a case of it's not you, it's me. Read Jenni Lea's review and she'll tell you all about her love for this book.
April 4, 2017
As good as book 1
Maybe even better. What I loved about Storm Season were the wonderful fully fleshed out secondary characters. In this book we get to learn more about Buck, the mechanic and Joey, a nurse at the hospital the night of the car chase in book 1. The story picks up where Storm Season left off introducing some new people and continuing the hunt for the traffickers. I thoroughly enjoyed this and can't wait for Book 3 in June!
Maybe even better. What I loved about Storm Season were the wonderful fully fleshed out secondary characters. In this book we get to learn more about Buck, the mechanic and Joey, a nurse at the hospital the night of the car chase in book 1. The story picks up where Storm Season left off introducing some new people and continuing the hunt for the traffickers. I thoroughly enjoyed this and can't wait for Book 3 in June!
June 8, 2019
I’m obsessed with this series already….
If you’ve read the first one, you’ll remember sassy nurse, Joey James. If you haven’t read the first one, then go do it, because it’s super cute with a mini action movie type drama story, all in one. So is this one, really, but this one includes Buck and Joey and the first one had Micah and Adam (who I don’t remember being quite so grouchy in their book).
I adored Buck and Joey, especially together. I wanted to shake Joey though, for getting himself into a situation and NOT calling the police or at least telling Adam, I mean it hadn’t been that long since they’d met. You have someone threatening your life and your family, so tell somebody! Don’t blindly follow and hope for the best…. Ugh. So, that bothered me, but I got over it quickly, it just pulled me in, anyway.
Buck was surprisingly shy and self-conscious due to having terrible parents… I didn’t get that from him in book 1, which we only met him briefly, but, he surprised me. After working up the guts to say hi to his high-school crush, Joey, he’s not sure it went well and practically runs away. I also really enjoy his friendship with Miguel, who I also really like. After running into Joey several times, Buck gets a little more confident and shows Joey that he’s interested…..
Unfortunately, it’s right at the time that the Russians pull Joey into their dealings, and it’s all kinds of the wrong time. He tries though, and even though he doesn’t really remember Buck from high school, he enjoys the shy and innocent way Buck is.
Watching these two dance around each other, and Miguel and Sara helping kind of push them together is so cute. Buck is really protective over Joey, so even when he literally walks into danger, Buck follows him, no question. There are more action movie type scenario’s, like child-trafficking, and more Russian mobsters, but it wasn’t bad enough that my overly angsty personality didn’t have a panic attack during it. I’m not really a fan of angst… it was a page turner for sure and I really rooted for the two of them.
I’m excited to see who’s next, but there are so many secondary characters that I don’t even care who next, because I want to read about them all ! Especially because each one so far has had a really cute HFN that I assume, just like with Adam and Micah, that we’ll see more of as the series progresses. If I get a say though, I really hope it’s Weir… I have a feeling I’m going to really like him.
Love it!
5 stars from me
If you’ve read the first one, you’ll remember sassy nurse, Joey James. If you haven’t read the first one, then go do it, because it’s super cute with a mini action movie type drama story, all in one. So is this one, really, but this one includes Buck and Joey and the first one had Micah and Adam (who I don’t remember being quite so grouchy in their book).
I adored Buck and Joey, especially together. I wanted to shake Joey though, for getting himself into a situation and NOT calling the police or at least telling Adam, I mean it hadn’t been that long since they’d met. You have someone threatening your life and your family, so tell somebody! Don’t blindly follow and hope for the best…. Ugh. So, that bothered me, but I got over it quickly, it just pulled me in, anyway.
Buck was surprisingly shy and self-conscious due to having terrible parents… I didn’t get that from him in book 1, which we only met him briefly, but, he surprised me. After working up the guts to say hi to his high-school crush, Joey, he’s not sure it went well and practically runs away. I also really enjoy his friendship with Miguel, who I also really like. After running into Joey several times, Buck gets a little more confident and shows Joey that he’s interested…..
Unfortunately, it’s right at the time that the Russians pull Joey into their dealings, and it’s all kinds of the wrong time. He tries though, and even though he doesn’t really remember Buck from high school, he enjoys the shy and innocent way Buck is.
Watching these two dance around each other, and Miguel and Sara helping kind of push them together is so cute. Buck is really protective over Joey, so even when he literally walks into danger, Buck follows him, no question. There are more action movie type scenario’s, like child-trafficking, and more Russian mobsters, but it wasn’t bad enough that my overly angsty personality didn’t have a panic attack during it. I’m not really a fan of angst… it was a page turner for sure and I really rooted for the two of them.
I’m excited to see who’s next, but there are so many secondary characters that I don’t even care who next, because I want to read about them all ! Especially because each one so far has had a really cute HFN that I assume, just like with Adam and Micah, that we’ll see more of as the series progresses. If I get a say though, I really hope it’s Weir… I have a feeling I’m going to really like him.
Love it!
5 stars from me
March 23, 2018
I received a free copy of this book to read and review for Wicked Reads.
No Pressure is the story Auto mechanic Buck and nurse Joey. It is really sweet the way Buck ‘accidentally’ bumps into Joey at the supermarket at the beginning of the story. Buck doesn’t have much in the way of friends or a social life so it is pretty brave of him to take the bull by the horns and make contact with Joey, hoping something would come of it.
A relationship begins to develop between the men against the backdrop of Joey having been dragged into some really nasty stuff by the criminal element in town. The author does an excellent job mixing the lovely budding romance with the danger Joey is in and the terror he is feeling. And I have to say for a while there I couldn’t see how Joey was going to get out of the mess he was in.
Reading No Pressure made me happy even though it involved criminal involved in people smuggling. I love the way the author writes the romance so it takes time to build and I enjoyed being back in Skagit and seeing the characters I already know and love. I will shortly be reading book 3 in this series; Spring Break and I’m very much looking forward to it.
No Pressure is the story Auto mechanic Buck and nurse Joey. It is really sweet the way Buck ‘accidentally’ bumps into Joey at the supermarket at the beginning of the story. Buck doesn’t have much in the way of friends or a social life so it is pretty brave of him to take the bull by the horns and make contact with Joey, hoping something would come of it.
A relationship begins to develop between the men against the backdrop of Joey having been dragged into some really nasty stuff by the criminal element in town. The author does an excellent job mixing the lovely budding romance with the danger Joey is in and the terror he is feeling. And I have to say for a while there I couldn’t see how Joey was going to get out of the mess he was in.
Reading No Pressure made me happy even though it involved criminal involved in people smuggling. I love the way the author writes the romance so it takes time to build and I enjoyed being back in Skagit and seeing the characters I already know and love. I will shortly be reading book 3 in this series; Spring Break and I’m very much looking forward to it.
July 5, 2018
3.5 Stars
I’ll be honest, as a mystery/suspense story, this was a fabulous read. It’s well-written and gripping and it kept me sitting on the edge of my seat, but unfortunately, the romance portion of the story failed miserably. In fact, it was practically non-existent.
I liked both Joey and Buck and from what we get to see, they are good together, I just wish the author had explored their relationship further and given it more page time for the reader to see it develop.
Although the romance potion was severely lacking, the story was interesting and a definite page turner. Recommendable!
I’ll be honest, as a mystery/suspense story, this was a fabulous read. It’s well-written and gripping and it kept me sitting on the edge of my seat, but unfortunately, the romance portion of the story failed miserably. In fact, it was practically non-existent.
I liked both Joey and Buck and from what we get to see, they are good together, I just wish the author had explored their relationship further and given it more page time for the reader to see it develop.
Although the romance potion was severely lacking, the story was interesting and a definite page turner. Recommendable!
May 20, 2017
Elle Keaton writes such likeable characters you can't help but become invested in their HEA. This was good, I'm a fan of the suspense element not being completely wrapped up in each book and continuing in some form in the next book ( I'm assuming that will happen in book 3). Buck and Joey were adorable, especially Buck ( you were right, Simone).
I'm really looking forward to reading book 3.
I'm really looking forward to reading book 3.
December 9, 2020
I had to suspend a lot of reality to believe the mystery part of the book. I liked the romance but it wasn't as prevalent as the mystery. Not bad but not great. Quick easy read and on KU
March 10, 2021
3.75 Stars!
January 13, 2022
3.5 stars
September 28, 2017
4.5 heart review for Love Bytes Reviews!
A copy of this book was provided in exchange for an honest review. This review was originally posted at Love Bytes Reviews, please visit www.lovebytesreviews.com to see this and many more reviews, interviews, and giveaways!
Woohoo! That was a fantastic book! I’m going to start this by confessing something…. I read the first book in this series, and it was ok. I didn’t dislike it, but it was a little long and scattered for me. I had already said I’d take this one, so I was going to read it, but I wasn’t as excited as I could be.
I WAS SO WRONG TO FEEL THAT WAY!!!
Everything I had had issues with in the first book, was not an issue with this one! Tight story, engaging characters, good length, and great writing!
Ok. Now that that is out of the way, let me tell you about this story.
This book is also set in Skagit Washington, just like the first book. I live in Washington, not far from the area this book is set in, although this town doesn’t exist, other towns mentioned do. Elle got the details of the area just right! So anyway, Skagit is a small town, fairly redneck, that seems to have a human trafficking issue. We learned about that in Storm Season, when Adam and Micah are drawn in to the mystery of who is doing what. One other character that got sucked in, thanks to Micah, was Buck. Buck is a great character, he’s big and strong, but shy and reserved. As this story progresses, we find out he has some demons… He had an awful childhood, and that has followed him in to adulthood. So Buck, poor shy, gay Buck, runs in to Joey at the hospital as part of the drama with Micah, but Joey doesn’t notice him. Buck remembers having a crush on Joey in high school, but Joey never knew. Buck then runs in to Joey at the grocery store, and finally gets up the nerve to speak to him. And Joey doesn’t remember that they went to school together. Then they bump in to each other again at the hospital, and eventually connect.
Joey has some serious drama going on. He’s a local boy, like Buck, living on his own and working as a nurse at the local hospital. His mom lives nearby, and he keeps an eye on her. He leaves work one evening to discover a picture of his mother under the windshield wiper of his car. Then another appears. Eventually Joey gets drawn in to a big old mess. He’s being blackmailed in to helping the local bad guys, as they are threatening his mom. He gets a dog, named Xena, and moves back in with his mom, but is continuously forced to help the bad guys. While Joey is dealing with his bad guy issue, his car dies. He calls Buck, who owns the local car repair shop. Buck begins to suspect something is going on with Joey, and calls in Adam and Micah. Which really starts things going.
This story focuses on Joey’s issues with the bad guys, and I won’t say how that all works out! But there is also this very emotional storyline with Buck and Joey. Buck really has some internal drama going on, and Joey struggles to help him, while dealing with his own shit. And trying to keep Buck out of it. Eventually Buck DOES get drawn in, which in some ways helps the two of them bond closer together. There are some great side characters too, Xena the dog was a big part of the story, and a character named Kon was as well. I won’t say who he is, but I loved his contribution! Buck’s employee/friend Miguel plays a huge part in Buck’s healing, and I loved him too. Adam and Micah pop up, as well as a character I won’t mention…
So one of my big issues with the first book was that it was too long and rambled some. I got lost in the characters and the story. This book was not like that! The story was much more focused, and the characters mentioned more involved in the direct storyline. That worked much better for me. Something about the writing in the first book bothered me, but I wasn’t able to specify what it was. Also not and issue with this one! The writing was great!
My only issue this time was some editing problems. One character’s name was spelled with an “s” instead of a “c” a couple of times. Joey became Joe once. And another character’s name did actually change spelling intentionally but it confused me! I had to go find why it changed spelling, I apparently missed that moment in the story. But all of those were minor issues, I just thought I’d mention them though.
There isn’t a lot of sex in this book, which was actually fine. The emotional bond between the two men that slowly develops more than made up for the lack of sex. I loved the story between the two of them, set against the drama of the bigger issue.
So yah! I loved it! I’m so happy I read this one, and I’m really looking forward to the next one! I’d still recommend reading the first one in the series so you know what is happening, but in my opinion this one is so much better! I hope we see more from Elle, I am looking forward to seeing her further develop as an m/m author!
A copy of this book was provided in exchange for an honest review. This review was originally posted at Love Bytes Reviews, please visit www.lovebytesreviews.com to see this and many more reviews, interviews, and giveaways!
Woohoo! That was a fantastic book! I’m going to start this by confessing something…. I read the first book in this series, and it was ok. I didn’t dislike it, but it was a little long and scattered for me. I had already said I’d take this one, so I was going to read it, but I wasn’t as excited as I could be.
I WAS SO WRONG TO FEEL THAT WAY!!!
Everything I had had issues with in the first book, was not an issue with this one! Tight story, engaging characters, good length, and great writing!
Ok. Now that that is out of the way, let me tell you about this story.
This book is also set in Skagit Washington, just like the first book. I live in Washington, not far from the area this book is set in, although this town doesn’t exist, other towns mentioned do. Elle got the details of the area just right! So anyway, Skagit is a small town, fairly redneck, that seems to have a human trafficking issue. We learned about that in Storm Season, when Adam and Micah are drawn in to the mystery of who is doing what. One other character that got sucked in, thanks to Micah, was Buck. Buck is a great character, he’s big and strong, but shy and reserved. As this story progresses, we find out he has some demons… He had an awful childhood, and that has followed him in to adulthood. So Buck, poor shy, gay Buck, runs in to Joey at the hospital as part of the drama with Micah, but Joey doesn’t notice him. Buck remembers having a crush on Joey in high school, but Joey never knew. Buck then runs in to Joey at the grocery store, and finally gets up the nerve to speak to him. And Joey doesn’t remember that they went to school together. Then they bump in to each other again at the hospital, and eventually connect.
Joey has some serious drama going on. He’s a local boy, like Buck, living on his own and working as a nurse at the local hospital. His mom lives nearby, and he keeps an eye on her. He leaves work one evening to discover a picture of his mother under the windshield wiper of his car. Then another appears. Eventually Joey gets drawn in to a big old mess. He’s being blackmailed in to helping the local bad guys, as they are threatening his mom. He gets a dog, named Xena, and moves back in with his mom, but is continuously forced to help the bad guys. While Joey is dealing with his bad guy issue, his car dies. He calls Buck, who owns the local car repair shop. Buck begins to suspect something is going on with Joey, and calls in Adam and Micah. Which really starts things going.
This story focuses on Joey’s issues with the bad guys, and I won’t say how that all works out! But there is also this very emotional storyline with Buck and Joey. Buck really has some internal drama going on, and Joey struggles to help him, while dealing with his own shit. And trying to keep Buck out of it. Eventually Buck DOES get drawn in, which in some ways helps the two of them bond closer together. There are some great side characters too, Xena the dog was a big part of the story, and a character named Kon was as well. I won’t say who he is, but I loved his contribution! Buck’s employee/friend Miguel plays a huge part in Buck’s healing, and I loved him too. Adam and Micah pop up, as well as a character I won’t mention…
So one of my big issues with the first book was that it was too long and rambled some. I got lost in the characters and the story. This book was not like that! The story was much more focused, and the characters mentioned more involved in the direct storyline. That worked much better for me. Something about the writing in the first book bothered me, but I wasn’t able to specify what it was. Also not and issue with this one! The writing was great!
My only issue this time was some editing problems. One character’s name was spelled with an “s” instead of a “c” a couple of times. Joey became Joe once. And another character’s name did actually change spelling intentionally but it confused me! I had to go find why it changed spelling, I apparently missed that moment in the story. But all of those were minor issues, I just thought I’d mention them though.
There isn’t a lot of sex in this book, which was actually fine. The emotional bond between the two men that slowly develops more than made up for the lack of sex. I loved the story between the two of them, set against the drama of the bigger issue.
So yah! I loved it! I’m so happy I read this one, and I’m really looking forward to the next one! I’d still recommend reading the first one in the series so you know what is happening, but in my opinion this one is so much better! I hope we see more from Elle, I am looking forward to seeing her further develop as an m/m author!
July 1, 2019
No Pressure (Book 2)- 4 stars: [Joey and Buck] I love Joey and Buck! They are so different and while those differences can backfire sometimes, with these two it works. The action parts are great and the mystery bits had me guessing the whole time!
November 10, 2017
Joey is an ER nurse at a hospital in Skagit, Washington. He is a boisterous, altruistic soul who volunteers at local animal shelters and loves his mother.
Buck runs an auto repair shop and we met him in book 1. He's the car enthusiast who bought Adam's father's collection of classic automobiles AND was involved in Micah's spur of the moment high speed car chase. The second is really out of character for the shy, closeted young man, who is so traumatized by his abusive father, that he's never allowed himself to have a relationship.
Of course, Joey runs into a bit of trouble with a human trafficking mobster and Buck comes to the rescue. Adam and Micah make cameo appearances as the "annoyed law enforcement agent" and "supportive friend" (if you've read book one, you'll easily guess which is which).
I enjoyed the sweet romance between Buck and Joey, but got sorta frustrated by Joey's impulsiveness and continuous need for rescue. The stories don't need to be read in order, but it helps.
Buck runs an auto repair shop and we met him in book 1. He's the car enthusiast who bought Adam's father's collection of classic automobiles AND was involved in Micah's spur of the moment high speed car chase. The second is really out of character for the shy, closeted young man, who is so traumatized by his abusive father, that he's never allowed himself to have a relationship.
Of course, Joey runs into a bit of trouble with a human trafficking mobster and Buck comes to the rescue. Adam and Micah make cameo appearances as the "annoyed law enforcement agent" and "supportive friend" (if you've read book one, you'll easily guess which is which).
I enjoyed the sweet romance between Buck and Joey, but got sorta frustrated by Joey's impulsiveness and continuous need for rescue. The stories don't need to be read in order, but it helps.
May 29, 2017
4 out of 5 stars
Description ~
Joey James has given up on his ‘Prince Charming’. There is no such thing, he needs to be realistic about his chances of finding a lasting relationship. A chance encounter with a former school mate at the local grocery store changes everything-maybe.
Before Joey can decide what to do about it, he is swept into a terrifying scheme. Forced into helping a dangerous stranger in exchange for his family’s safety, Joey begins a perilous journey into the criminal underbelly of Skagit. He will do whatever is needed to protect his family.
Buck Swanfeldt had a secret crush on Joey James in high school. Buck’s social anxiety and two-year age difference made it impossible for him to approach Joey then. Life since high school has been challenging, and lonely. Eight years later, fate brings them together and Buck decides to act. He utterly fails. He would have left it at that, except fate seems to be intent on pushing Joey in his direction, and clearly, Joey needs someone at his back.
Dark, sordid secrets hiding in Skagit are bubbling to the surface, danger lurks in unexpected places. Buck has never been anyone’s hero but something about Joey has him throwing caution to the wind. Together the two men take on a dangerous force greater than themselves. But sometimes our worst enemy is ourselves.
My Review ~
No Pressure is the second book in the Accidental Roots series. It would be best to read these books in order as the plot is continued from the previous book. I'll admit that I didn't read the first book but I also didn't feel lost while reading No Pressure.
Joey James and Buck Swanfeldt grew up in the same town and were a few years apart in high school. Joey left their small town to get his nursing degree in Seattle but came home when his dad's dementia progressed. Buck stayed in Skagit and took over his dad's garage after he passed away. While they have their small town in common Joey and Buck are very different. Joey is an outgoing, slightly flirty nurse who isn't quite sure that he wants the heteronormative lifestyle as a gay man. Buck, on the other hand, is slightly shy, and until he saw Joey James in the grocery store, he didn't think he would ever find someone who would make him want more in his life. Buck totally takes that chance when he sees Joey in the grocery store but because he's not sure of himself he lets it go.
Eventually things work to get Joey and Buck interested in each other and then finally dating. Along the way though, Joey gets blackmailed into helping a dangerous man's associate who's very ill. As he gets pulled further and further into his man's goings on, Joey turns more and more to Buck as someone he wants in his life. Things eventually come to a head with Joey, which almost ends with him being seriously hurt. Luckily it all works out and both Buck and Joey are safe and unharmed.
Obviously there is more to the plot than that, but telling too much of it would give away a large portion of the plot. This is a story that needs to be read and experienced as you read it, not by reading a review. So, yes, Joey and Buck have some very sweet times and a few seriously sexy times in the story and there are even a few points that may have you reaching for the tissues. Overall this was a decent story with really good characters, good secondary characters, a solid plot that was well-paced, and enough relationship storyline to make this a complete romantic suspense book.
You're going to have a tough time deciding who you like more between Joey and Buck. They're both really lovable, well-developed characters that you want all the happy endings to happen for them. While I didn't get a chance to read the first book in the series, I enjoyed this one enough that I will definitely read that one, and hope that the author has more planned for this series.
This is definitely a book, and a series, that you should add to your summer reading list.
Description ~
Joey James has given up on his ‘Prince Charming’. There is no such thing, he needs to be realistic about his chances of finding a lasting relationship. A chance encounter with a former school mate at the local grocery store changes everything-maybe.
Before Joey can decide what to do about it, he is swept into a terrifying scheme. Forced into helping a dangerous stranger in exchange for his family’s safety, Joey begins a perilous journey into the criminal underbelly of Skagit. He will do whatever is needed to protect his family.
Buck Swanfeldt had a secret crush on Joey James in high school. Buck’s social anxiety and two-year age difference made it impossible for him to approach Joey then. Life since high school has been challenging, and lonely. Eight years later, fate brings them together and Buck decides to act. He utterly fails. He would have left it at that, except fate seems to be intent on pushing Joey in his direction, and clearly, Joey needs someone at his back.
Dark, sordid secrets hiding in Skagit are bubbling to the surface, danger lurks in unexpected places. Buck has never been anyone’s hero but something about Joey has him throwing caution to the wind. Together the two men take on a dangerous force greater than themselves. But sometimes our worst enemy is ourselves.
My Review ~
No Pressure is the second book in the Accidental Roots series. It would be best to read these books in order as the plot is continued from the previous book. I'll admit that I didn't read the first book but I also didn't feel lost while reading No Pressure.
Joey James and Buck Swanfeldt grew up in the same town and were a few years apart in high school. Joey left their small town to get his nursing degree in Seattle but came home when his dad's dementia progressed. Buck stayed in Skagit and took over his dad's garage after he passed away. While they have their small town in common Joey and Buck are very different. Joey is an outgoing, slightly flirty nurse who isn't quite sure that he wants the heteronormative lifestyle as a gay man. Buck, on the other hand, is slightly shy, and until he saw Joey James in the grocery store, he didn't think he would ever find someone who would make him want more in his life. Buck totally takes that chance when he sees Joey in the grocery store but because he's not sure of himself he lets it go.
Eventually things work to get Joey and Buck interested in each other and then finally dating. Along the way though, Joey gets blackmailed into helping a dangerous man's associate who's very ill. As he gets pulled further and further into his man's goings on, Joey turns more and more to Buck as someone he wants in his life. Things eventually come to a head with Joey, which almost ends with him being seriously hurt. Luckily it all works out and both Buck and Joey are safe and unharmed.
Obviously there is more to the plot than that, but telling too much of it would give away a large portion of the plot. This is a story that needs to be read and experienced as you read it, not by reading a review. So, yes, Joey and Buck have some very sweet times and a few seriously sexy times in the story and there are even a few points that may have you reaching for the tissues. Overall this was a decent story with really good characters, good secondary characters, a solid plot that was well-paced, and enough relationship storyline to make this a complete romantic suspense book.
You're going to have a tough time deciding who you like more between Joey and Buck. They're both really lovable, well-developed characters that you want all the happy endings to happen for them. While I didn't get a chance to read the first book in the series, I enjoyed this one enough that I will definitely read that one, and hope that the author has more planned for this series.
This is definitely a book, and a series, that you should add to your summer reading list.
May 15, 2021
In book 2 we see mechanic Buck finally getting up the nerve to approach nurse Joey. Buck is pretty inexperienced and freaks meanwhile Joey is getting mysterious messages and is sucked into helping out the bad guys from book 1 with medical stuff or his mother is threatened.
Thankfully Buck goes to FBI agent Adam and they realize Joey is being weird and caught up in something but they never confront him. (Problem #1)
I was so frustrated with Joey. He insisted on running off to investigate because "he didn't want to tell the police if he didn't know what was happening". Dude. That's what the police do. They investigate possible leads. They don't just sit around waiting for civilians to come to them with hard evidence. And he kept putting people in jeopardy. and no amount of explanations or reprimands from the FBI change his attitude and nothing he did is his fault or was wrong.
Also when Buck says he needs some time to go to therapy and get his past settled (family abuse), Joey is all pouty and I think Joey's ex had a point. He keeps talking about how he read romance novels and wants a perfect guy and his mother encourages him to find Prince Charming. No one can live up to his expectations. Joey needed some therapy to see that men were not there to fulfill his fantasy but are real people.
So I would have rated this higher if I wasn't so annoyed with Joey's behaviour. He just kept putting people he supposedly cared about in danger when there was a major police presence working on the case. His curiousity and needs came first over everyone else. Unless he gets some help I can't see him making it with Buck because he only wanted a fantasy and no one can live up to that.
Thankfully Buck goes to FBI agent Adam and they realize Joey is being weird and caught up in something but they never confront him. (Problem #1)
I was so frustrated with Joey. He insisted on running off to investigate because "he didn't want to tell the police if he didn't know what was happening". Dude. That's what the police do. They investigate possible leads. They don't just sit around waiting for civilians to come to them with hard evidence. And he kept putting people in jeopardy. and no amount of explanations or reprimands from the FBI change his attitude and nothing he did is his fault or was wrong.
Also when Buck says he needs some time to go to therapy and get his past settled (family abuse), Joey is all pouty and I think Joey's ex had a point. He keeps talking about how he read romance novels and wants a perfect guy and his mother encourages him to find Prince Charming. No one can live up to his expectations. Joey needed some therapy to see that men were not there to fulfill his fantasy but are real people.
So I would have rated this higher if I wasn't so annoyed with Joey's behaviour. He just kept putting people he supposedly cared about in danger when there was a major police presence working on the case. His curiousity and needs came first over everyone else. Unless he gets some help I can't see him making it with Buck because he only wanted a fantasy and no one can live up to that.
May 11, 2017
A Joyfully Jay review.
4.5 stars
No Pressure is the sequel to Storm Season. I liked that first book, and I liked No Pressure even more. It takes place in the same small town, and you’ll find quite a few of the same characters, most of whom are delightful and funny. In fact, I would even go so far as to call the town a character here. It’s small, charming, and nearly idyllic, the kind of place you’d want to raise your children. Unfortunately, under the top layer of charm, there is a an underlying evil. Terrible crimes are being/have been committed.
Buck and Joey are both lovable. Everyone in town thinks they’re great, but both men have self esteem issues. They’d give you the shirt off their backs (or a loaner car, or a spare room, or a home to a shelter dog), but something is missing for each of them. Usually, I wind up favoring one main character over the other, but I cared about Buck and Joey equally. (If you forced me to choose, I’d say I loved Joey a little more, and that’s because he’s a nurse. My Dad was a nurse for more than 35 years, so I have a soft spot for the males of the profession.) These guys were meant to be together, and I’m so glad they figured that out. Their scenes together were sweet, but their sexual chemistry was off the charts. I loved how concerned Buck was about Joey. He had no qualms about throwing himself into danger because he wanted to keep Joey safe.
Read Kenna’s review in its entirety here.
4.5 stars
No Pressure is the sequel to Storm Season. I liked that first book, and I liked No Pressure even more. It takes place in the same small town, and you’ll find quite a few of the same characters, most of whom are delightful and funny. In fact, I would even go so far as to call the town a character here. It’s small, charming, and nearly idyllic, the kind of place you’d want to raise your children. Unfortunately, under the top layer of charm, there is a an underlying evil. Terrible crimes are being/have been committed.
Buck and Joey are both lovable. Everyone in town thinks they’re great, but both men have self esteem issues. They’d give you the shirt off their backs (or a loaner car, or a spare room, or a home to a shelter dog), but something is missing for each of them. Usually, I wind up favoring one main character over the other, but I cared about Buck and Joey equally. (If you forced me to choose, I’d say I loved Joey a little more, and that’s because he’s a nurse. My Dad was a nurse for more than 35 years, so I have a soft spot for the males of the profession.) These guys were meant to be together, and I’m so glad they figured that out. Their scenes together were sweet, but their sexual chemistry was off the charts. I loved how concerned Buck was about Joey. He had no qualms about throwing himself into danger because he wanted to keep Joey safe.
Read Kenna’s review in its entirety here.
March 31, 2018
Check out our
No Pressure
post on Wicked Reads.
Reviews by the Wicked Reads Review Team
Veronica – ☆☆☆☆
No Pressure is the story auto mechanic Buck and nurse Joey. It is really sweet the way Buck ‘accidentally’ bumps into Joey at the supermarket at the beginning of the story. Buck doesn’t have much in the way of friends or a social life, so it is pretty brave of him to take the bull by the horns and make contact with Joey, hoping something would come of it.
A relationship begins to develop between the men against the backdrop of Joey having been dragged into some really nasty stuff by the criminal element in town. The author does an excellent job mixing the lovely budding romance with the danger Joey is in and the terror he is feeling. And I have to say, for a while there I couldn’t see how Joey was going to get out of the mess he was in.
Reading No Pressure made me happy even though it involved criminals involved in people smuggling. I love the way the author writes the romance so it takes time to build, and I enjoyed being back in Skagit and seeing the characters I already know and love. I will shortly be reading book three in this series, Spring Break, and I’m very much looking forward to it.
Reviewers received a free copy of this book to read and review for Wicked Reads.
Reviews by the Wicked Reads Review Team
Veronica – ☆☆☆☆
No Pressure is the story auto mechanic Buck and nurse Joey. It is really sweet the way Buck ‘accidentally’ bumps into Joey at the supermarket at the beginning of the story. Buck doesn’t have much in the way of friends or a social life, so it is pretty brave of him to take the bull by the horns and make contact with Joey, hoping something would come of it.
A relationship begins to develop between the men against the backdrop of Joey having been dragged into some really nasty stuff by the criminal element in town. The author does an excellent job mixing the lovely budding romance with the danger Joey is in and the terror he is feeling. And I have to say, for a while there I couldn’t see how Joey was going to get out of the mess he was in.
Reading No Pressure made me happy even though it involved criminals involved in people smuggling. I love the way the author writes the romance so it takes time to build, and I enjoyed being back in Skagit and seeing the characters I already know and love. I will shortly be reading book three in this series, Spring Break, and I’m very much looking forward to it.
Reviewers received a free copy of this book to read and review for Wicked Reads.
May 31, 2017
*Copy provided to Bayou Book Junkie by Signal Boost Promotions for my reading pleasure in hopes of an unbiased opinion, a review was not a requirement.*
No Pressure is Book 2 in the Accidental Roots series. I expected this story to be a continuation of Book 1 and about Micah and Adam but it was not. I highly recommend you read this series in the appropriate order, though. The crime story from the first book continues in this one so all that background will be necessary for this one. The MC's in this book, Joey and Buck were introduced in Book 1.
Joey is a nurse at the hospital and has a pretty good life. He has a good relationship with his parents, and always had. He loves his job, and he enjoys volunteering at the local dog shelter taking dogs for walks. The one area his life is lacking is love. He'd love to find love but has given up and accepted that he will remain single. Joey doesn't realize it but Buck has had a crush on him since high school. Buck has decided to make his interest known but he's awkward and Joey is distracted by messages he's receiving. Joey is forced into helping criminals and it's taking a toll on him. Adam notices the changes to Joey and calls his friend Micah to share his suspicions and to get Adam's help.
I really enjoyed this book! Both MC's were likable from their introduction in the first book and I was happy to get to know them better. Buck did not have a happy childhood and what we learn throughout this story is that this town is full of secrets. Buck is working to overcome the way he was raised and to not allow his father's actions control him from the grave. He has a good support system of friends and his business is growing. We also got to see characters from the first book, including Adam and Micah and were introduced to new characters.
This story and the continuing mystery felt more cohesive than the first book and it felt like there was a more conclusive HEA ending. I think the author's writing showed a lot of improvement from the first book and definitely makes me want to read the next book in the series.
Rating: 4 stars
No Pressure is Book 2 in the Accidental Roots series. I expected this story to be a continuation of Book 1 and about Micah and Adam but it was not. I highly recommend you read this series in the appropriate order, though. The crime story from the first book continues in this one so all that background will be necessary for this one. The MC's in this book, Joey and Buck were introduced in Book 1.
Joey is a nurse at the hospital and has a pretty good life. He has a good relationship with his parents, and always had. He loves his job, and he enjoys volunteering at the local dog shelter taking dogs for walks. The one area his life is lacking is love. He'd love to find love but has given up and accepted that he will remain single. Joey doesn't realize it but Buck has had a crush on him since high school. Buck has decided to make his interest known but he's awkward and Joey is distracted by messages he's receiving. Joey is forced into helping criminals and it's taking a toll on him. Adam notices the changes to Joey and calls his friend Micah to share his suspicions and to get Adam's help.
I really enjoyed this book! Both MC's were likable from their introduction in the first book and I was happy to get to know them better. Buck did not have a happy childhood and what we learn throughout this story is that this town is full of secrets. Buck is working to overcome the way he was raised and to not allow his father's actions control him from the grave. He has a good support system of friends and his business is growing. We also got to see characters from the first book, including Adam and Micah and were introduced to new characters.
This story and the continuing mystery felt more cohesive than the first book and it felt like there was a more conclusive HEA ending. I think the author's writing showed a lot of improvement from the first book and definitely makes me want to read the next book in the series.
Rating: 4 stars
March 11, 2018
I really enjoy Ms. Keaton's work, and this book was okay, but there were several problems for me. The fact that . The author had a tendency to allow a character to go off on a tangent of thought in the middle of a monologue, OR DIALOGUE!! and sometimes I had to skip a few pages to get back to what was actually happening, because the tangent was rarely anything important to the action at hand. It would be one thing if it was a quirk particular to a character, like maybe he had ADHD or something, but they both did it.
Also, as a demisexual person, I object to this exchange:
“You kissed him, huh? How was it?”
“Good.” It had been so good he’d thought his entire body was going to explode. So, so, so good.
“Heh. I bet, by the look on your face. So probably not demisexual.”
Keaton, Elle. No Pressure (Accidental Roots Book 2) (p. 84). Dirty Dog Press. Kindle Edition.
A simple wiki search can give you a definition of demi. We can feel sexual attraction. It might be a good idea to familiarize yourself with the asexual spectrum. https://www.asexuality.org/
Still, the book was worth a read, especially with suspension of disbelief.
Also, as a demisexual person, I object to this exchange:
“You kissed him, huh? How was it?”
“Good.” It had been so good he’d thought his entire body was going to explode. So, so, so good.
“Heh. I bet, by the look on your face. So probably not demisexual.”
Keaton, Elle. No Pressure (Accidental Roots Book 2) (p. 84). Dirty Dog Press. Kindle Edition.
A simple wiki search can give you a definition of demi. We can feel sexual attraction. It might be a good idea to familiarize yourself with the asexual spectrum. https://www.asexuality.org/
Still, the book was worth a read, especially with suspension of disbelief.
April 30, 2019
This town ...
This installment keeps us in the Northwestern town of Skagit where there’s still investigations underway for a child-trafficking ring.
In the first book, we’d met Joey James, the feisty, sassy nurse who works at the local hospital where, well, it seems everyone has been taken to since the Feds had strolled into town. Joey is a nurturer and cares deeply for those in need. He reminds me of a sleuth-like Peter Pan.
Buck Swanfeldt is the local mechanic who has had a thing for Joey since high school. He’s a gentle giant with not too much confidence under his belt and plenty lost, thanks to an uncaring mother and an abusive father.
Joey and Buck’s difference in height had me snickering as it reminded me of my husband (who’s 6’4”) and myself (5’4”).
I really rooted for these two to find their happiness. Even though the attraction is there, the push and pull between them is very slow moving. Buck is definitely a work-in-progress.
Other than each installment’s love interests, the suspense of the storyline itself is what makes this series amazing. There’s plenty of twists and turns; it’s action-packed and sinister—even the weather provides the perfect ominous atmosphere.
Looking forward to starting the next one. I’m completely hooked!
This installment keeps us in the Northwestern town of Skagit where there’s still investigations underway for a child-trafficking ring.
In the first book, we’d met Joey James, the feisty, sassy nurse who works at the local hospital where, well, it seems everyone has been taken to since the Feds had strolled into town. Joey is a nurturer and cares deeply for those in need. He reminds me of a sleuth-like Peter Pan.
Buck Swanfeldt is the local mechanic who has had a thing for Joey since high school. He’s a gentle giant with not too much confidence under his belt and plenty lost, thanks to an uncaring mother and an abusive father.
Joey and Buck’s difference in height had me snickering as it reminded me of my husband (who’s 6’4”) and myself (5’4”).
I really rooted for these two to find their happiness. Even though the attraction is there, the push and pull between them is very slow moving. Buck is definitely a work-in-progress.
Other than each installment’s love interests, the suspense of the storyline itself is what makes this series amazing. There’s plenty of twists and turns; it’s action-packed and sinister—even the weather provides the perfect ominous atmosphere.
Looking forward to starting the next one. I’m completely hooked!
April 16, 2023
reread 2023
Original review still stands. I like Buck and how he recognised he needed to work himself out before he could be with Joey and then did the work required to do that.
3.75 stars
This one to me was a lot better, the writing style didn’t worry me at all.
I really enjoyed the storyline in this one. Reading the blurb I had a few things I was watching for that would have disappointed me but happily they were shut down quickly.
I liked Joey and his need to help people. I was worried after he went to the kids that he was going to leave it at that and still can’t really understand why he didn’t involve some of the feds. He knew them from before so to me it was a simple deduction, but he got them in the end. I did enjoy how the feds all shut down their sleuthing pretty quickly, even though they wanted to investigate they were reprimanded when caught.
Buck was lovely, I felt for him and liked that he got himself help. Maybe I didn’t understand properly but his issues seemed to come out of the blue for me, but I did like that he went and got help before really starting things with Joey.
I loved how Kon’s storyline worked out, I will admit I did want it to go another way but the way it did worked for me too.
Original review still stands. I like Buck and how he recognised he needed to work himself out before he could be with Joey and then did the work required to do that.
3.75 stars
This one to me was a lot better, the writing style didn’t worry me at all.
I really enjoyed the storyline in this one. Reading the blurb I had a few things I was watching for that would have disappointed me but happily they were shut down quickly.
I liked Joey and his need to help people. I was worried after he went to the kids that he was going to leave it at that and still can’t really understand why he didn’t involve some of the feds. He knew them from before so to me it was a simple deduction, but he got them in the end. I did enjoy how the feds all shut down their sleuthing pretty quickly, even though they wanted to investigate they were reprimanded when caught.
Buck was lovely, I felt for him and liked that he got himself help. Maybe I didn’t understand properly but his issues seemed to come out of the blue for me, but I did like that he went and got help before really starting things with Joey.
I loved how Kon’s storyline worked out, I will admit I did want it to go another way but the way it did worked for me too.
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