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Return to Duty
Jay never thought attraction would get him into so much trouble. First an explosion, now a spy agency. This man had better be worth it.
Jay is a thief with a past he’s trying to forget. He just wants to relax, have fun and flirt with attractive men. He has spent the last few weeks on his favorite moon doing just that with the handsome waiter who works at the local diner. Bryce has shown clear interest in him but has suddenly changed his tune. Jay wants to know why.
He doesn’t expect that his persistence will find him witnessing a kidnapping and escaping the burning diner before it explodes.
Fleeing the moon to avoid being killed wasn’t in Jay’s plan. Neither was being caught by a spy agency and thrown in a cell. Things are going from bad to worse and Jay is soon forced to face his past to protect his future.
And to place the cherry on the cake, he finally finds out why Bryce stopped flirting with him.
As if he needed any more surprises.
Reader advisory: This book contains scenes of violence, kidnapping and mentions of PTSD and survivor's guilt.
General Release Date: 28th July 2020
Jay is a thief with a past he’s trying to forget. He just wants to relax, have fun and flirt with attractive men. He has spent the last few weeks on his favorite moon doing just that with the handsome waiter who works at the local diner. Bryce has shown clear interest in him but has suddenly changed his tune. Jay wants to know why.
He doesn’t expect that his persistence will find him witnessing a kidnapping and escaping the burning diner before it explodes.
Fleeing the moon to avoid being killed wasn’t in Jay’s plan. Neither was being caught by a spy agency and thrown in a cell. Things are going from bad to worse and Jay is soon forced to face his past to protect his future.
And to place the cherry on the cake, he finally finds out why Bryce stopped flirting with him.
As if he needed any more surprises.
Reader advisory: This book contains scenes of violence, kidnapping and mentions of PTSD and survivor's guilt.
General Release Date: 28th July 2020
194 pages, Kindle Edition
Published July 28, 2020
2 people are currently reading
29 people want to read
About the author
Elizabeth Hollows
15 books18 followersElizabeth Hollows is an Australian author writing LGBT+ romance stories of all genres. She can be found on twitter, facebook or her website. She uses these platforms to discuss upcoming books, her life as a writer and what she's working on. She loves questions and interacting with her readers. She's a big fan of classical music, live performance and cups of tea.
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Displaying 1 - 13 of 13 reviews
August 9, 2021
Quite a decent M-M sci-fi romance with the greater emphasis on the romantic development/curve between the MCs, and some attempt at world-building.
July 28, 2020
The action picks up right off the bat as we follow Jay in his quest to get a certain waiter’s attention and is taken way off course as the two of them witness a kidnapping and need to beat a hasty escape. Turns out there’s more to both Jay and the waiter he intended to seduce – Bryce – and it’s led to them working together to rescue the man who had been kidnapped right in front of them.
This was a pretty quick read for me, topping out at two sittings to go from cover to cover; which is nothing against the quality of the prose, quite the opposite! The world building is clear without being overly weighty. Many stories fall into the trap of feeling the need to explain their backgrounds far beyond what’s required of the tale being told. Here, while I sometimes felt a personal curiosity about the politics or geology of the world(s) being described, (because I’m an absolute sci-fi nerd like that), there’s always enough to understand what’s going on without being pulled down any unnecessary rabbit holes. It’s a good balance which leaves us with a brisk pace in the prose, no getting bogged down in details which have no bearing on the plot and action.
The characters are delightful, as well. Because of the structure of the story, we’re with Jay and Bryce about 95% of the time, with very little in the way of side characters. As the focus of the story is almost entirely on these two and how they get to know one another and come to trust each other, this works out really well, and nothing feels lost by the restricted cast. A quick read or not, the development of the relationship feels natural and well executed. Both men have more to them than they let on at first, leading to distrust and even more recalcitrance, but over the course of the book they find ways to communicate and to get across to one another what they really mean and feel. It’s satisfying to watch as they figure out how to trust one another, how to know for certain that they can trust one another and that they aren’t just being fed more lies, and by the end they’re depending on one another as well.
Without giving direct spoilers, there’s very good reason why Jay in particular is quiet about his past, wounds which still affect him into the present and which make trusting anyone – especially someone like who Bryce turns out to be – difficult. It’s rewarding to watch not only Jay start to come around on those issues, but to see Bryce come to the realization of how deep those injuries actually go, and alter his behavior accordingly.
Hollows has always had a touch for interpersonal relationships, and for crafting her prose is such a way that you feel like you’re reading the thoughts of both sides even if the narration is only giving one directly. This holds true in Return to Duty. After reading it I feel as though I’ve spent very nearly as much time inside Bryce’s head as I have Jay’s, and it was a delight to watch them both go through their arcs.
If you’re a hardcore sci-fi nerd looking for old school sci-fi pulp, or something as intricate and involved as Dune, this’ll be a bit light for you. But if you’re wanting something on that lighter side of sci-fi, with focus on character interactions and a healthy dose of romantic and sexual tension – and plenty of fun banter into the mix! – then I can wholeheartedly recommend this book. It’s a lot of fun, and I’m looking forward to the next one from Hollows!
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
This was a pretty quick read for me, topping out at two sittings to go from cover to cover; which is nothing against the quality of the prose, quite the opposite! The world building is clear without being overly weighty. Many stories fall into the trap of feeling the need to explain their backgrounds far beyond what’s required of the tale being told. Here, while I sometimes felt a personal curiosity about the politics or geology of the world(s) being described, (because I’m an absolute sci-fi nerd like that), there’s always enough to understand what’s going on without being pulled down any unnecessary rabbit holes. It’s a good balance which leaves us with a brisk pace in the prose, no getting bogged down in details which have no bearing on the plot and action.
The characters are delightful, as well. Because of the structure of the story, we’re with Jay and Bryce about 95% of the time, with very little in the way of side characters. As the focus of the story is almost entirely on these two and how they get to know one another and come to trust each other, this works out really well, and nothing feels lost by the restricted cast. A quick read or not, the development of the relationship feels natural and well executed. Both men have more to them than they let on at first, leading to distrust and even more recalcitrance, but over the course of the book they find ways to communicate and to get across to one another what they really mean and feel. It’s satisfying to watch as they figure out how to trust one another, how to know for certain that they can trust one another and that they aren’t just being fed more lies, and by the end they’re depending on one another as well.
Without giving direct spoilers, there’s very good reason why Jay in particular is quiet about his past, wounds which still affect him into the present and which make trusting anyone – especially someone like who Bryce turns out to be – difficult. It’s rewarding to watch not only Jay start to come around on those issues, but to see Bryce come to the realization of how deep those injuries actually go, and alter his behavior accordingly.
Hollows has always had a touch for interpersonal relationships, and for crafting her prose is such a way that you feel like you’re reading the thoughts of both sides even if the narration is only giving one directly. This holds true in Return to Duty. After reading it I feel as though I’ve spent very nearly as much time inside Bryce’s head as I have Jay’s, and it was a delight to watch them both go through their arcs.
If you’re a hardcore sci-fi nerd looking for old school sci-fi pulp, or something as intricate and involved as Dune, this’ll be a bit light for you. But if you’re wanting something on that lighter side of sci-fi, with focus on character interactions and a healthy dose of romantic and sexual tension – and plenty of fun banter into the mix! – then I can wholeheartedly recommend this book. It’s a lot of fun, and I’m looking forward to the next one from Hollows!
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
January 2, 2022
Incredible Action-Packed Adventure . . .
Jay is a thief and a nuisance, but he charms himself out of trouble most times. So for now, he is trying to relax and have some fun, spending time on his favorite Asam moon which ignores universal laws in favor of staying neutral. He has been flirting with an attractive waiter at a local diner. Bryce initially seemed to be interested, but after 3 weeks of engaging in playful flirting, brushed him off and ignored him for no obvious reason. So Jay determined that he would wait around until after closing and sort of “force” Bryce to acknowledge him. Instead, a hovercraft landed with the son of the Qui owner of the moon. Bryce had said he was meeting someone, so the rich and powerful Zanik Taziv was evidently the one he was meeting. But then another hovercraft arrived and, still in the air, someone masked leaned out and shot Zanik with an energy gun which Jay identified as a stunner. When the kidnapper saw Bryce’s hovercraft still there, he tapped his temple and Jay recognized command goggles with thermal sensing, so he now knew the two of them were inside. By the time the man issued commands, Jay had grabbed Bryce and pulled him to the back to escape as each headed for the garbage chute and jumped. They secured themselves in the heavy steel bin just as an explosion in the diner hurled their bin away from the burning building. They climbed out the other side and got to Jay’s cloaked ship.
Bryce wanted to chase after Zanik to save him but Jay insisted they needed to get away while the kidnappers thought they were dead. Once again, Bryce surprised him with his calm reaction to what should be shocking, frightening events. Then it was Jay being shocked when his com lighted up from a hail from the Intelligence Agency!! He had no idea how to respond to them. They protected the universe, clandestine spies and full of secrets. Why would they contact him? Why were they here? And then his craft was grabbed, pulled onto the larger ship, and forcefully boarded. This one could mean life imprisonment for him! And he hadn’t even gotten to kiss the waiter!
If by now you don’t feel compelled to grab this book and read their story immediately, you have better resistance than I do. Wow, this was a page-turner that truly did have me on the edge of my seat! I love the characters, I couldn’t believe the action and the world-building that sustained the reader’s amazement. And we’ve only just started here. Will Jay find out why Bryce is reacting so differently than he expects? Will the two of them join forces and try to rescue Zanik before it is too late to save him? This story could go off in so many directions, so start reading and enjoy this well-written sci-fi adventure! You will love it!
Jay is a thief and a nuisance, but he charms himself out of trouble most times. So for now, he is trying to relax and have some fun, spending time on his favorite Asam moon which ignores universal laws in favor of staying neutral. He has been flirting with an attractive waiter at a local diner. Bryce initially seemed to be interested, but after 3 weeks of engaging in playful flirting, brushed him off and ignored him for no obvious reason. So Jay determined that he would wait around until after closing and sort of “force” Bryce to acknowledge him. Instead, a hovercraft landed with the son of the Qui owner of the moon. Bryce had said he was meeting someone, so the rich and powerful Zanik Taziv was evidently the one he was meeting. But then another hovercraft arrived and, still in the air, someone masked leaned out and shot Zanik with an energy gun which Jay identified as a stunner. When the kidnapper saw Bryce’s hovercraft still there, he tapped his temple and Jay recognized command goggles with thermal sensing, so he now knew the two of them were inside. By the time the man issued commands, Jay had grabbed Bryce and pulled him to the back to escape as each headed for the garbage chute and jumped. They secured themselves in the heavy steel bin just as an explosion in the diner hurled their bin away from the burning building. They climbed out the other side and got to Jay’s cloaked ship.
Bryce wanted to chase after Zanik to save him but Jay insisted they needed to get away while the kidnappers thought they were dead. Once again, Bryce surprised him with his calm reaction to what should be shocking, frightening events. Then it was Jay being shocked when his com lighted up from a hail from the Intelligence Agency!! He had no idea how to respond to them. They protected the universe, clandestine spies and full of secrets. Why would they contact him? Why were they here? And then his craft was grabbed, pulled onto the larger ship, and forcefully boarded. This one could mean life imprisonment for him! And he hadn’t even gotten to kiss the waiter!
If by now you don’t feel compelled to grab this book and read their story immediately, you have better resistance than I do. Wow, this was a page-turner that truly did have me on the edge of my seat! I love the characters, I couldn’t believe the action and the world-building that sustained the reader’s amazement. And we’ve only just started here. Will Jay find out why Bryce is reacting so differently than he expects? Will the two of them join forces and try to rescue Zanik before it is too late to save him? This story could go off in so many directions, so start reading and enjoy this well-written sci-fi adventure! You will love it!
July 28, 2020
A Joyfully Jay review.
2.75 stars
The beginning of Return to Duty seemed to set up an interesting story of galactic space travel and a thief named Jay. He’s a wanted man and he’s laying low on one of the moons and enjoying a flirtation with a waiter named Bryce. Bryce intrigues Jay from the start and he really wants to get to know the man better. But not everything is at seems.
The book then took a sharp turn for me and there were many things I found to be unclear. There is no world building in this book. We know that Jay is in space and names of fictious planets and moons are mentioned as if the names were common knowledge. Different groups of people are also introduced in the same manner and that also wasn’t clear. I really didn’t know if these people were supposed to be considered human or aliens or how this society even worked. Jay and Bryce then witness a kidnapping and they know the man that is kidnapped, and they are supposed to be afraid of the kidnapped man and his family, and of the kidnappers as well, but it really wasn’t clear why.
Read Michelle's review in its entirety here.
2.75 stars
The beginning of Return to Duty seemed to set up an interesting story of galactic space travel and a thief named Jay. He’s a wanted man and he’s laying low on one of the moons and enjoying a flirtation with a waiter named Bryce. Bryce intrigues Jay from the start and he really wants to get to know the man better. But not everything is at seems.
The book then took a sharp turn for me and there were many things I found to be unclear. There is no world building in this book. We know that Jay is in space and names of fictious planets and moons are mentioned as if the names were common knowledge. Different groups of people are also introduced in the same manner and that also wasn’t clear. I really didn’t know if these people were supposed to be considered human or aliens or how this society even worked. Jay and Bryce then witness a kidnapping and they know the man that is kidnapped, and they are supposed to be afraid of the kidnapped man and his family, and of the kidnappers as well, but it really wasn’t clear why.
Read Michelle's review in its entirety here.
July 29, 2020
Jaybird is a charming thief with a troubled past. Bryce is the handsome and mysterious waiter that has captured his attention. But after weeks of flirting, Bryce suddenly starts giving Jay the cold shoulder and he is determined to discover why. Instead, Jay finds himself caught up in an explosion, witness to a kidnapping, and faced with a decision that threatens to unearth memories of a former life he would rather leave forgotten.
As promised, this story starts with a bang before sweeping you away on an action-filled adventure that also provides plenty of softer moments between the two main characters. And as Jay and Bryce get to know each other better we learn more about the secrets and troubled pasts they both have.
If you are looking for your next action-packed, gay romance than look no further. Well paced and compellingly written, ‘Call to Duty’ is the type of story that draws you in from the very first page and doesn’t slacken it’s grip until you reach the final climax. So strap in and be prepared to lose a day or two as you delve into the pages of this fantastic book!
(I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.)
As promised, this story starts with a bang before sweeping you away on an action-filled adventure that also provides plenty of softer moments between the two main characters. And as Jay and Bryce get to know each other better we learn more about the secrets and troubled pasts they both have.
If you are looking for your next action-packed, gay romance than look no further. Well paced and compellingly written, ‘Call to Duty’ is the type of story that draws you in from the very first page and doesn’t slacken it’s grip until you reach the final climax. So strap in and be prepared to lose a day or two as you delve into the pages of this fantastic book!
(I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.)
January 4, 2022
I am not usually a fan of sci fi but the write up seemed so intriguing that I took a chance. Am I ever glad that I did. This is an excellent story and book. It is very well written and easy to read. The story smoothly flows along. This is the story of Agent Tristan Fox and Heath Jaycen Chapman. Tristan is an agent for the government. Heath is a retired military man who is trying to outrun his survivors guilt and grief. They meet at a diner. Both men are playing a part. But then a kidnapping and explosions happens, throwing the two men together for survival. This story is interesting as it has lots of twists and turns. What you believe may not be the truth. The chemistry between Tristan and Jay was off the charts. I enjoyed their interactions and how they respected each other. This is their story. It is a fun and interesting read. I really enjoyed their journey. I look forward to another book by this author. I amglad that I took the chance and you will be too. Enjoy.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
January 3, 2022
The Amazon blurb of this book really grabbed me. It sounded fun and intriging, maybe with some comedy-of-errors thrown in. I'm not a fan of 'hard' science fiction, but give me space opera or space comedy, and I'm more interested. I was not disappointed at all by this book. It was entertaining, with non-stop action, twists and turns, intrigue, spies, kidnapping, and more. It was serious, but light at the same time, and it didn't get deep into technical minutia. I felt the plot and characters could have been transplanted to a contemporary setting and the relationship and chemistry would still have worked. That's my kind of story, sci-fi or otherwise.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
July 27, 2020
Return to Duty is a really good and captivating book.
Easy to read and the writing make it really enjoyable to discover the story.
The main character is really endearing and make you care about him really fast.
The construction of the story is really good to make you discover layer by layer all the past of the character, what make them what they are today.
And you will care about them and just wish to know the end of the story and how it's will end.
Really it's a good book that you should read! Not too long and you will not see the time pass while reading it and with a good story that will captive you !
Easy to read and the writing make it really enjoyable to discover the story.
The main character is really endearing and make you care about him really fast.
The construction of the story is really good to make you discover layer by layer all the past of the character, what make them what they are today.
And you will care about them and just wish to know the end of the story and how it's will end.
Really it's a good book that you should read! Not too long and you will not see the time pass while reading it and with a good story that will captive you !
August 10, 2020
I usually don't read sci-fi, but this was a super fun, really cute adventure between two characters that had me flying through the story. There wasn't a massive amount of world building, which is perfect for a sci-fi casual like me, but instead it focused on the relationship building between the two main characters. I would recommend this story to people even if you usually don't check out the genre because it's a great, steamy read.
July 30, 2020
I was hooked and I couldn't put it down. I loved the MM James Bond-version with amazing characters. I love the two strong and prideful men and their love for each other. I want more! I want more of Jay and Tristan. I want more Elizabeth Hollows' writing!
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
December 19, 2021
I am not normally a SiFi person but Return to Duty was a fun and interesting read. The MCs were a delight. The author kept my attention from beginning to end. As an avid reader that is something hard to do.
January 2, 2022
This is a new Author to me I enjoyed reading Agent Tristan Fox and Heath Jaycen Chapman/Jaybird's story. It is well written with action, drama, twists, turns, and M/M romnce. The story was well worth reading. I received a copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
February 22, 2022
puta binayaran ko to. tanginang kabobohan ng parehong tauhan dito sa hayup na kwentong to. hayup.
Displaying 1 - 13 of 13 reviews