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Vanguard Towers #1
Touch and Go
The doctor can heal me, but can he keep me safe?
My brother has been embezzling from his employers. Unfortunately, when I accidentally discover that information, I end up hurled straight into the Potomac. If it weren’t for Dr. Derek Carlisle, I’d be fish food.
When he offers more than medical help, I bolt. It’s not his job to protect me, even if the older man is everything I’ve ever wanted.
The young man needs a protector.
From the moment I see him, I know Seb is more than a patient. I’ve never been tempted to cross the patient/doctor line before. For him? I’ll do it in a heartbeat.
His brother wants to hurt him, and he needs someone to keep him safe. Me. Except, I can’t keep my hands off of him. Is a man as inexperienced as Seb ready for something more than a few nights of fun? I need to find out before keeping him safe breaks my heart.
Touch and Go features heroes with an age gap, danger lurking all around, and a healthy dose of hurt/comfort. The brothers of Vanguard Towers are at the frontlines of love, and Derek is only the first to fall.
My brother has been embezzling from his employers. Unfortunately, when I accidentally discover that information, I end up hurled straight into the Potomac. If it weren’t for Dr. Derek Carlisle, I’d be fish food.
When he offers more than medical help, I bolt. It’s not his job to protect me, even if the older man is everything I’ve ever wanted.
The young man needs a protector.
From the moment I see him, I know Seb is more than a patient. I’ve never been tempted to cross the patient/doctor line before. For him? I’ll do it in a heartbeat.
His brother wants to hurt him, and he needs someone to keep him safe. Me. Except, I can’t keep my hands off of him. Is a man as inexperienced as Seb ready for something more than a few nights of fun? I need to find out before keeping him safe breaks my heart.
Touch and Go features heroes with an age gap, danger lurking all around, and a healthy dose of hurt/comfort. The brothers of Vanguard Towers are at the frontlines of love, and Derek is only the first to fall.
257 pages, ebook
First published July 20, 2020
516 people are currently reading
400 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 124 reviews
July 30, 2020
This book was all over the place and not in the fun, over-the-top romance book way. I thought this book did a bad job making us care about the characters or their relationship and all of the conflicts felt completely unrealistic or even high stakes even though it should have felt very high stakes. I read this because I really enjoy Bates' Hell's Ankhor series but this was just not for me.
Our main characters are Seb and Derek. Seb is a recent graduate in computer science who is having a hard time finding a job. Derek is an emergency room doctor. There were some immediate weird things about their characterization. Seb is a computer science major, which is a thriving field, but for some reason no one will hire him. With Derek, a nurse talks about how he should be trying to move into surgery and out of the emergency department but that's not how medicine works. you're trained in a specialty and if you switch you have to start that training all over for the new field, you can't just change whenever you want. He is also described as having a PhD, not an MD. Derek is a medical doctor, an MD. He would not have a PhD. These sort of details made the whole book seem even more unrealistic and like it was poorly researched.
I also had a really hard time connecting to the characters or believing their relationship. It's clear that Seb and Derek are attracted to each other right away but it didn't seem liked the relationship every really developed beyond that. I never felt like they had any reason to fall in love because they never learned anything about each other and we didn't really get to learn much about them as readers. Seb was also a character type that I really don't like. He was the type that never wants to ask for help and withholds important information all the time. He talked so much about how he wasn't a boy and how he was a grownup but he acted so immature. Whenever any one got mad at him (for valid reasons!) he acted like they had no reason to be mad at him. Because this was the only trait we really saw from him, he ends up being an unlikable character and I just don't know what Derek would see in him.
The plot of this book was also a little ridiculous. All of the conflicts just seemed so out their but then they were solved super easily and very serious situations are treated as if they were nothing. It is well established that Seb is a computer science major but it takes everyone so long to realize the he might help with a tech problem. It made the supposedly serious situation seem silly and made it hard to actually feel any suspense.
I really enjoy Bates' other series that I've read and the plot synopsis for this seemed interesting but unfortunately it just wasn't for me. It seems like a lot of people liked this book but this will not be a series that I'll be continuing.
Our main characters are Seb and Derek. Seb is a recent graduate in computer science who is having a hard time finding a job. Derek is an emergency room doctor. There were some immediate weird things about their characterization. Seb is a computer science major, which is a thriving field, but for some reason no one will hire him. With Derek, a nurse talks about how he should be trying to move into surgery and out of the emergency department but that's not how medicine works. you're trained in a specialty and if you switch you have to start that training all over for the new field, you can't just change whenever you want. He is also described as having a PhD, not an MD. Derek is a medical doctor, an MD. He would not have a PhD. These sort of details made the whole book seem even more unrealistic and like it was poorly researched.
I also had a really hard time connecting to the characters or believing their relationship. It's clear that Seb and Derek are attracted to each other right away but it didn't seem liked the relationship every really developed beyond that. I never felt like they had any reason to fall in love because they never learned anything about each other and we didn't really get to learn much about them as readers. Seb was also a character type that I really don't like. He was the type that never wants to ask for help and withholds important information all the time. He talked so much about how he wasn't a boy and how he was a grownup but he acted so immature. Whenever any one got mad at him (for valid reasons!) he acted like they had no reason to be mad at him. Because this was the only trait we really saw from him, he ends up being an unlikable character and I just don't know what Derek would see in him.
The plot of this book was also a little ridiculous. All of the conflicts just seemed so out their but then they were solved super easily and very serious situations are treated as if they were nothing. It is well established that Seb is a computer science major but it takes everyone so long to realize the he might help with a tech problem. It made the supposedly serious situation seem silly and made it hard to actually feel any suspense.
I really enjoy Bates' other series that I've read and the plot synopsis for this seemed interesting but unfortunately it just wasn't for me. It seems like a lot of people liked this book but this will not be a series that I'll be continuing.
December 7, 2020
Well this was an exciting and intriguing read. I absolutely adored the made family aspect with Derek and his brothers. And I loved how fiercely Seb protected that. So, you have Seb, a hacker who recently go his computer science degree and has had a string of bad luck that has landed him in the care of Dr. Dish, 😏 Derek. Derek is extremely protective in nature and immediately latches onto Seb in the same manner. He is also drawn to the young man in a sexual way, but does not want to act on it. Then Seb lands himself in some more bad situations and Derek and his brothers are always there to help. The story did not drag and it made sense when the investigator break occurred. Both MCs needed to grow and learn to truly love each other. Joseph Thorson did wonderful narrating and as a new to me narrator I just found another to look out for. I was missing an epilogue, hence the 4 stars, but I was happy to see there are some bonus chapters available!!
ACR provided by GRR in exchange for an honest review.
ACR provided by GRR in exchange for an honest review.
July 24, 2020
ARC received from Booksprout for honest review
I’m a fan of this authors Hell’s Ankhor series but I found there was just too much going on here for me to be able to concentrate.
Having 7 secondary characters, who will likely each get their own book, was overwhelming. They all get page-time and while I like the idea of a group of “found family” looking out for the underdogs of society, they were all way more involved in Seb and Derek’s relationship than felt natural, or I could keep up with.
And I’ll be honest and say I didn’t really fall in love with Seb or Derek as characters. There was such a forced focus on their age gap, which wasn’t all that significant, that the jokes and banter fell flat. As the story went by I felt like Seb acted more like a moody teenager and I just couldn’t see what would keep them together aside from the initial physical attraction. Seb was also meant to be super smart but there were multiple TSTL moments from him that only served to highlight his immaturity and had me skimming to the end.
With so many characters to introduce, plus a mystery and a romance, I just couldn’t get invested. All in all this was not for me. YMMV. But I still like this author.
I’m a fan of this authors Hell’s Ankhor series but I found there was just too much going on here for me to be able to concentrate.
Having 7 secondary characters, who will likely each get their own book, was overwhelming. They all get page-time and while I like the idea of a group of “found family” looking out for the underdogs of society, they were all way more involved in Seb and Derek’s relationship than felt natural, or I could keep up with.
And I’ll be honest and say I didn’t really fall in love with Seb or Derek as characters. There was such a forced focus on their age gap, which wasn’t all that significant, that the jokes and banter fell flat. As the story went by I felt like Seb acted more like a moody teenager and I just couldn’t see what would keep them together aside from the initial physical attraction. Seb was also meant to be super smart but there were multiple TSTL moments from him that only served to highlight his immaturity and had me skimming to the end.
With so many characters to introduce, plus a mystery and a romance, I just couldn’t get invested. All in all this was not for me. YMMV. But I still like this author.
June 1, 2021
Let me just say that I was not a fan of this. I hated Derek. Can you say stalker?! Gross! Also, Seb is a doormat and I hate those people/characters.
Seb gets hurt and is in the ER where Derek is his doctor. Derek can't stop thinking about Seb and the next time Seb finds himself in the ER Derek basically falls in love and moves Seb into his "house". His brothers are cool though, but I hated the gang mentality.
Needless to say I won't be moving on in this series, even if I was intrigued by some of the brothers.
Seb gets hurt and is in the ER where Derek is his doctor. Derek can't stop thinking about Seb and the next time Seb finds himself in the ER Derek basically falls in love and moves Seb into his "house". His brothers are cool though, but I hated the gang mentality.
Needless to say I won't be moving on in this series, even if I was intrigued by some of the brothers.
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January 30, 2021DNF @61%... lost interest and the relationship didn’t feel believable to me...
The synopsis was interesting but didn’t live up while reading..
The synopsis was interesting but didn’t live up while reading..
October 16, 2020
Minor age gap. Hurt/Comfort.
Sebastian is brought in to the ER with a badly sprained wrist but the doctor on duty, Derek, suspects something darker is happening to the young man. Not only does Seb neglect to provide honest answers about his wrist injury but the fading bruises on his arms are not indicative of clumsiness.
Seb is beginning to wonder if someone's trying to get him hurt or killed but that's crazy, right?
He hasn't done anything to anyone to warrant a death sentence.
But when his brother arrives in a panic and Seb sees something he shouldn't, he somehow ends up back in the ER.
Derek, with the help of his band of self-made brothers, are determined to help Seb get to the bottom of things while keeping him safe.
The concept was good. Execution was alright. What entertained me most was the intrusive brothers and their interactions.
Still, I look forward to giving book 2 in the series a try.
Sebastian is brought in to the ER with a badly sprained wrist but the doctor on duty, Derek, suspects something darker is happening to the young man. Not only does Seb neglect to provide honest answers about his wrist injury but the fading bruises on his arms are not indicative of clumsiness.
Seb is beginning to wonder if someone's trying to get him hurt or killed but that's crazy, right?
He hasn't done anything to anyone to warrant a death sentence.
But when his brother arrives in a panic and Seb sees something he shouldn't, he somehow ends up back in the ER.
Derek, with the help of his band of self-made brothers, are determined to help Seb get to the bottom of things while keeping him safe.
The concept was good. Execution was alright. What entertained me most was the intrusive brothers and their interactions.
Still, I look forward to giving book 2 in the series a try.
July 24, 2020
Dr. Derek Carlisle pressed tightly on an abdominal stab wound as he gave directions to the nursing staff to try to stabilize the patient. Two hours later, they had him stabilized and transferred him to surgery. Derek’s favorite nurse was at the vending machine, hoping to get the candy bar that was calling to her, despite the finicky machine that didn’t always deliver. Derek told her to give up, but she felt lucky. And, sure enough, the candy bar fell straight down without getting snagged on the way. Derek tried to score a bite, but she wouldn’t share her chocolate. Then his brother, Eli, who worked search and rescue with the National Parks Service in Maryland and Virginia, sent a photo of the gourmet breakfast waiting for him – assuming his many foster brothers didn’t get to it before he got home when his shift ended in a half hour.
Derek and Nurse Harris (“Shae”) opened the curtain to his next patient and the gorgeous young man with green eyes left Derek speechless. The chart identified him as Sebastian Lane, 22, with a suspected broken wrist, which Derek thought looked sprained but nasty. Derek noticed the bruises on the arm, and the “fall” story he discarded immediately. Coming through the foster care system himself, he knew those lies when he heard them. Seb was sent to radiology and then walked home with fond thoughts of the handsome doctor he had met. But as he got near his building, he knew someone was watching him! And maybe it had something to do with the thought he might have been pushed off the curb when he was injured. He just wasn’t positive since he didn’t see anyone when he looked around.
As he tested out his wrist to verify whether he could still work at the bar, his brother, Ben, pounded on his door. Ben was an accountant and did freelance bookkeeping for a bunch of companies. He barged in, upset that his laptop screen was frozen and Ben needed it fixed NOW. But his cell phone rang and he walked out of the room to take the call. Seb got the computer functioning again and recognized a few of the client names on the spreadsheet, but something was strange with the transactions – Ben was apparently siphoning money off from his clients into his own account! And Seb didn’t see Ben come back into the room to notice he had seen the illegal activity. The next thing Seb knew, his brother came at him and everything went dark.
The next day, an unconscious male was pulled from the Potomac River. CPR did not revive him and he was brought into the ER, the other EMT still working on chest compressions. They were finally able to shock him, then resumed the compressions and Derek took over. Finally, his heart started beating on its own again. When Derek saw the patient’s face for the first time, his knees almost gave out. It was Sebastian! They had come very close to losing him! What had happened to him? Did his partner beat him up and dump him in the river? What was going on?
This author did a great job at describing all of the medical action going on. I enjoyed the banter between Derek and Seb, and I loved Shae. The story line was exciting and the bit of mystery as Seb suspects he was pushed and then felt someone watching him was enough to keep the reader’s tension up. There is much more going on here, so grab your copy and find out how deep Seb’s troubles really go, and whether Derek can keep him safe from the danger he is in.
Derek and Nurse Harris (“Shae”) opened the curtain to his next patient and the gorgeous young man with green eyes left Derek speechless. The chart identified him as Sebastian Lane, 22, with a suspected broken wrist, which Derek thought looked sprained but nasty. Derek noticed the bruises on the arm, and the “fall” story he discarded immediately. Coming through the foster care system himself, he knew those lies when he heard them. Seb was sent to radiology and then walked home with fond thoughts of the handsome doctor he had met. But as he got near his building, he knew someone was watching him! And maybe it had something to do with the thought he might have been pushed off the curb when he was injured. He just wasn’t positive since he didn’t see anyone when he looked around.
As he tested out his wrist to verify whether he could still work at the bar, his brother, Ben, pounded on his door. Ben was an accountant and did freelance bookkeeping for a bunch of companies. He barged in, upset that his laptop screen was frozen and Ben needed it fixed NOW. But his cell phone rang and he walked out of the room to take the call. Seb got the computer functioning again and recognized a few of the client names on the spreadsheet, but something was strange with the transactions – Ben was apparently siphoning money off from his clients into his own account! And Seb didn’t see Ben come back into the room to notice he had seen the illegal activity. The next thing Seb knew, his brother came at him and everything went dark.
The next day, an unconscious male was pulled from the Potomac River. CPR did not revive him and he was brought into the ER, the other EMT still working on chest compressions. They were finally able to shock him, then resumed the compressions and Derek took over. Finally, his heart started beating on its own again. When Derek saw the patient’s face for the first time, his knees almost gave out. It was Sebastian! They had come very close to losing him! What had happened to him? Did his partner beat him up and dump him in the river? What was going on?
This author did a great job at describing all of the medical action going on. I enjoyed the banter between Derek and Seb, and I loved Shae. The story line was exciting and the bit of mystery as Seb suspects he was pushed and then felt someone watching him was enough to keep the reader’s tension up. There is much more going on here, so grab your copy and find out how deep Seb’s troubles really go, and whether Derek can keep him safe from the danger he is in.
July 24, 2020
AAA MMMAAAAAZZZZ INGGGGGGGGGGGGG
Dr. Derek Carlisle is on a night shift in a busy Emergency Department when he comes across a very attractive young man who thinks he may of broken his arm.
Seb doesn't understand whats going on, he is sure he is being followed but why?? He works in a bar and has just graduated in computer degree. He fell over a curb and is now sat in the hospital waiting to see if he has done any damage. And how comes into see him ? A very Dishy doctor and Seb in his head starts calling him Dr Dishy. Thankfully they work out that its just a sprain and he can get out of here. But this sexy doctor must think that i have an abusive boyfriend with his subtle comments but he cant tell him the truth.
Derek isn't happy with the injury when he notices he has other bruises but what can he do?? When Derek's shift is over and he gets home to see some of his brothers. Derek was a foster kid who worked hard to make something of himself and he and his brothers are all here now to help other people. All 8 work in the front line from the Marines to the FBI. And they are a strong unit. So when he see Seb earlier he knows something isn't right.
That night when Seb gets home his brother comes barging in demanding he work on his computer but what Seb sees makes him angry and the brothers start arguing and the last thing that Seb sees is Ben coming towards him before his world goes black.
The next night Derek is at work when a man is brought in that had been dragged from the river and has not heart beat or pulse. Derek and his team work on the man till they get him back, when the paramedic takes the mask away from the young mans face he sees its Seb and Derek knows he will do anything to keep this kid safe.
When Seb comes around he knows he needs to get answers and he knows he cant trust anyone and that is including the sexy Doc. Derek jumps in to action to protect Seb.
But when these two spend time together sparks fly!!!
This is a action packed read with some much passion it makes for a brilliant read. I was super addicted to Seb and Derek, Seb is one sassy man who knows what he wants and he can be feisty also. Dont go leaving him a lone in the bathroom you never know whats going to happen next. Derek wants him but the age difference is really playing on his mind but one taste and he knows he wants more.
But what I also really enjoyed what the connection between Derek and his Brothers. I really hope this is a new series and we get to read about all the brothers stories about finding the one!!!!!
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Dr. Derek Carlisle is on a night shift in a busy Emergency Department when he comes across a very attractive young man who thinks he may of broken his arm.
Seb doesn't understand whats going on, he is sure he is being followed but why?? He works in a bar and has just graduated in computer degree. He fell over a curb and is now sat in the hospital waiting to see if he has done any damage. And how comes into see him ? A very Dishy doctor and Seb in his head starts calling him Dr Dishy. Thankfully they work out that its just a sprain and he can get out of here. But this sexy doctor must think that i have an abusive boyfriend with his subtle comments but he cant tell him the truth.
Derek isn't happy with the injury when he notices he has other bruises but what can he do?? When Derek's shift is over and he gets home to see some of his brothers. Derek was a foster kid who worked hard to make something of himself and he and his brothers are all here now to help other people. All 8 work in the front line from the Marines to the FBI. And they are a strong unit. So when he see Seb earlier he knows something isn't right.
That night when Seb gets home his brother comes barging in demanding he work on his computer but what Seb sees makes him angry and the brothers start arguing and the last thing that Seb sees is Ben coming towards him before his world goes black.
The next night Derek is at work when a man is brought in that had been dragged from the river and has not heart beat or pulse. Derek and his team work on the man till they get him back, when the paramedic takes the mask away from the young mans face he sees its Seb and Derek knows he will do anything to keep this kid safe.
When Seb comes around he knows he needs to get answers and he knows he cant trust anyone and that is including the sexy Doc. Derek jumps in to action to protect Seb.
But when these two spend time together sparks fly!!!
This is a action packed read with some much passion it makes for a brilliant read. I was super addicted to Seb and Derek, Seb is one sassy man who knows what he wants and he can be feisty also. Dont go leaving him a lone in the bathroom you never know whats going to happen next. Derek wants him but the age difference is really playing on his mind but one taste and he knows he wants more.
But what I also really enjoyed what the connection between Derek and his Brothers. I really hope this is a new series and we get to read about all the brothers stories about finding the one!!!!!
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
July 25, 2020
Seb is a young tech-savvy hacker who ends up in the hospital after he is found half-dead in the river. He is taken to the hospital where he encounters Derek or Dr.Dish (for the second time). Derek is devastated when he sees Seb back in the ER because he believes that Seb is suffering from physical abuse - as he was treated the day prior due to a broken wrist. However, there may be more to Seb than meets the eye and with Derek having a desire to save those in need he may just get more then he bargains for by allowing Seb to lean on him. While Seb is smitten with Derek, he's also confused and puzzled. Just before he woke up in the hospital, he found out his brother was embezzling from clients; now he's almost killed and has no recollection of how it happened or what's really going on. Can Derek help him figure out this mystery and will these men find love along the way?
I really tried to get into this book. I am a huge, huge fan of the Hell's Ankhor series and the Caldwell Brother series but this book (and a likely start to a new series) just didn't really grasp my attention as much. I found it odd how the whole situation with Seb getting to know Derek came about. It's also weird that Seb really doesn't have any friends that he could turn too when he finds out his brother embezzled and after he gets out of the hospital. Yes, he could be a loner, but the outgoing man in the hospital that met Derek the first time didn't really seem like the type.
I also found it very overwhelming when we were introduced to all of Derek's adopted brothers. There were 7 in total and I'm assuming later will each have their own book. As such it was like they were forced into the story at some parts just so they could have some page time to make them standout. I felt that it was too much and not all of them really had a huge role or were necessary in this love story.
Now don't get me wrong I probably will read all of the books because I am a fan of Aiden Bates, it's just this one that didn't really strike my fancy.
I received an advanced copy via Booksprout for a voluntary and honest review.
I really tried to get into this book. I am a huge, huge fan of the Hell's Ankhor series and the Caldwell Brother series but this book (and a likely start to a new series) just didn't really grasp my attention as much. I found it odd how the whole situation with Seb getting to know Derek came about. It's also weird that Seb really doesn't have any friends that he could turn too when he finds out his brother embezzled and after he gets out of the hospital. Yes, he could be a loner, but the outgoing man in the hospital that met Derek the first time didn't really seem like the type.
I also found it very overwhelming when we were introduced to all of Derek's adopted brothers. There were 7 in total and I'm assuming later will each have their own book. As such it was like they were forced into the story at some parts just so they could have some page time to make them standout. I felt that it was too much and not all of them really had a huge role or were necessary in this love story.
Now don't get me wrong I probably will read all of the books because I am a fan of Aiden Bates, it's just this one that didn't really strike my fancy.
I received an advanced copy via Booksprout for a voluntary and honest review.
July 25, 2020
Touch and Go-WOW!
This was a great story about an older guy meeting his soul mate in a younger man. The supporting characters added to the story too. Eight foster brothers building a home together who help people. All have "frontline" professions.. Derek, one of the older brother, is a doctor and this book is centered around him. His profession keeps him from finding true love or having any kind of personal relationships until he meets Sebastian. Sebastian is patient and much younger than him but he can't help but be drawn to him. Same goes for Seb but he is going through some issues with his lousy brother and can't think about starting anything with Dr Dish as he calls Derek.Dangerous circumstance throws the guys together and they work together to find answers to keep Seb safe. Along the way love finds a way in their heart. So many instances while i was reading i was going through so many feels. Even though Derek is what you could say the "alpha" leader of the brotherhood, he has a warm, caring and sensitive side that made me want to just give him a big hug. His love runs deep for Seb and showed through out the story. Seb was a sassy young man but very mature for his age.He could be very prickly but once he gives you his trust and heart...he's all in...and that was the case with Derek. Their story was sweet and had a lot of intense HOT moments.I thoroughly enjoyed this and can't wait to read what's up next with more of the brothers and I believe Eli is up next.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
This was a great story about an older guy meeting his soul mate in a younger man. The supporting characters added to the story too. Eight foster brothers building a home together who help people. All have "frontline" professions.. Derek, one of the older brother, is a doctor and this book is centered around him. His profession keeps him from finding true love or having any kind of personal relationships until he meets Sebastian. Sebastian is patient and much younger than him but he can't help but be drawn to him. Same goes for Seb but he is going through some issues with his lousy brother and can't think about starting anything with Dr Dish as he calls Derek.Dangerous circumstance throws the guys together and they work together to find answers to keep Seb safe. Along the way love finds a way in their heart. So many instances while i was reading i was going through so many feels. Even though Derek is what you could say the "alpha" leader of the brotherhood, he has a warm, caring and sensitive side that made me want to just give him a big hug. His love runs deep for Seb and showed through out the story. Seb was a sassy young man but very mature for his age.He could be very prickly but once he gives you his trust and heart...he's all in...and that was the case with Derek. Their story was sweet and had a lot of intense HOT moments.I thoroughly enjoyed this and can't wait to read what's up next with more of the brothers and I believe Eli is up next.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
November 24, 2020
Derek is one of eight brothers. They may not be blood related but they are brothers in the truest sense of the word. As an ER physician in DC he has seen a lot but when Seb comes into his trauma unit, he knows this guy is something special and all he wants to do is help him. Seb has accidentally found out something that could get him killed, all thanks to his good for nothing brother. As the situation gets more dangerous, Seb learns that maybe there really is something to family and he wants to be a part of it.
This was a good book. It had just the right amount of action and danger for me without going too over the top. I really enjoyed the interaction between Derek and his found family. I love stories about found families and honestly will have to check out each book in this series because I assume there will probably be a story centered around each brother. This one was great and I highly recommend it! The chemistry between Derek and Seb is instant but they have to work for their happily ever after because they both have to realize that they are worth it. A really good book. I did read an arc of it.
This was a good book. It had just the right amount of action and danger for me without going too over the top. I really enjoyed the interaction between Derek and his found family. I love stories about found families and honestly will have to check out each book in this series because I assume there will probably be a story centered around each brother. This one was great and I highly recommend it! The chemistry between Derek and Seb is instant but they have to work for their happily ever after because they both have to realize that they are worth it. A really good book. I did read an arc of it.
July 26, 2020
Derek is an ER doctor, who grew up in foster care and with other men he had met in the system tries to make a difference to the people he meets.
When he meets Seb in the ER, full of bruises and old and new injuries he does not believe him to be just prone to accidents, when he comes in with a sprained hand. He is sure two days later, when he has Seb in the ER again, this time he was fished out of the Potomac River and needed resuscitation. He is asking one of his foster brothers to follow Seb,
A thrilling story, mixing elements of suspense and romance with a touch of human interest and romance, as special feelings evolve between Seb and Derek.
A great read, and a wonderful start to a new seriees.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
When he meets Seb in the ER, full of bruises and old and new injuries he does not believe him to be just prone to accidents, when he comes in with a sprained hand. He is sure two days later, when he has Seb in the ER again, this time he was fished out of the Potomac River and needed resuscitation. He is asking one of his foster brothers to follow Seb,
A thrilling story, mixing elements of suspense and romance with a touch of human interest and romance, as special feelings evolve between Seb and Derek.
A great read, and a wonderful start to a new seriees.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
July 25, 2020
Read it for Characters
I found this on a Facebook ad and immediately was intrigued by the deception. The writing is good and there are only a few editing mistakes, which is good for finding on a Facebook ad.
I found myself laughing and crying because of the characters. The book has potential to be longer if certain sections were expanded upon and i likely would have rated it higher as well. More details on Ben and that character plot with Seb would have been an added bonus as well.
I definitely kept reading it because of the characters. Bates definitely knows how to write characters you'll enjoy reading about.
I found this on a Facebook ad and immediately was intrigued by the deception. The writing is good and there are only a few editing mistakes, which is good for finding on a Facebook ad.
I found myself laughing and crying because of the characters. The book has potential to be longer if certain sections were expanded upon and i likely would have rated it higher as well. More details on Ben and that character plot with Seb would have been an added bonus as well.
I definitely kept reading it because of the characters. Bates definitely knows how to write characters you'll enjoy reading about.
July 30, 2024
Not my usual flavour of spicy - I bought the wrong book (same title, different author). Was a surprise in the middle 😂 But hey, love is love and spice is spice and it all counts in the Goodreads Reading Challenge 👍🏻 Actually a good story, and who doesn’t love a Dr Dish who has 7 hunky brothers 😂
July 23, 2020
I’m so disappointed with this book tbh. I’ve read a lot Aiden Bates books and loved them but this one just wasn’t one of them.
The plot is intriguing and I was enjoying it at first but Sebastian was irking me a little bit. He was just rude and I wasn’t able to form a connection to him at all. Then when the plot is gearing up he turned TSTL and then was shocked when he got called out. Overall Sebastian was the major problem in this book for me and he ultimately made me not like it.
The plot is intriguing and I was enjoying it at first but Sebastian was irking me a little bit. He was just rude and I wasn’t able to form a connection to him at all. Then when the plot is gearing up he turned TSTL and then was shocked when he got called out. Overall Sebastian was the major problem in this book for me and he ultimately made me not like it.
Want to read
June 3, 2021🎁 FREE on Amazon today (6/3/2021)! 🎁
June 4, 2023
I liked the story. Just, sometimes, Seb was like, an idiot.. haha
And Derek, an stupid idiot...
But the story was fun...
And Derek, an stupid idiot...
But the story was fun...
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
October 10, 2020
I’ve read quite a few of the Bates brothers’ books, before and after they got a publisher. It drove me to not read them again because holy cow, the books were awful. It’d been a while so I thought I’d jump back into the pool again.
To be honest, the only reason this book got 2 stars is because it didn’t have a horrible amount of typos, and because he didn’t use the infamous “for crying out loud” phrase he used ALL THE TIME.
Story wise, not great. You have a PhD practicing medicine, he totally says he doesn’t care about his Hippocratic oath when he goes after Seb. I mean, details like that all over the book. As per the usual, a “big strong man” being struck almost immobile by the “piercing (insert color) eyes” - if you read this, and the snippet of the next book, you‘lol see it repeated there too. I mean, there’s just a host of ridiculous details and wanna be facts in this book that are just .... ANYWAYS, let’s talk about Seb. He wants so bad to be seen as a real man, yet oh look, my brother owes a lot of money to bookies aka the bad people, maybe I should go ask them if they’ve seen my brother, I’m sure it’s totally safe. Good lord. Oh and don’t get me started with the sex talk, it’s like Bares didn’t even try !!!
Oh, I am sooooo breaking up with this author right now. Making it totally official.
To be honest, the only reason this book got 2 stars is because it didn’t have a horrible amount of typos, and because he didn’t use the infamous “for crying out loud” phrase he used ALL THE TIME.
Story wise, not great. You have a PhD practicing medicine, he totally says he doesn’t care about his Hippocratic oath when he goes after Seb. I mean, details like that all over the book. As per the usual, a “big strong man” being struck almost immobile by the “piercing (insert color) eyes” - if you read this, and the snippet of the next book, you‘lol see it repeated there too. I mean, there’s just a host of ridiculous details and wanna be facts in this book that are just .... ANYWAYS, let’s talk about Seb. He wants so bad to be seen as a real man, yet oh look, my brother owes a lot of money to bookies aka the bad people, maybe I should go ask them if they’ve seen my brother, I’m sure it’s totally safe. Good lord. Oh and don’t get me started with the sex talk, it’s like Bares didn’t even try !!!
Oh, I am sooooo breaking up with this author right now. Making it totally official.
February 3, 2021
I liked the chemistry between the characters and I liked the “idea” of the brothers. None of them are related by blood but all are joined forever in their hearts by their pasts…all having pasted through the foster system with only one another to depend on and all having made successes of their lives. Derek build the Vanguard Towers as a home place that they would all feel the comfort and love of, and could return to, no matter where their individual jobs and lives might take them. It was a good introduction to a new series and was also in the mountain of books I received from my two good friends. I found book #2 in the box so have the next brother’s story. The book features same sex characters and the sex scenes are graphic…so it’s not a story for everyone.
November 27, 2020
I liked this one okay. There was just a lot going on and the characters kept getting confused in my head with there being so many. I typically either really enjoy or really don't enjoy this author. This one just happened to be a miss for me, but I'll keep trying.
November 16, 2020
Poorly researched, poorly written, and poorly edited. Those 3 things pretty well cover everything that is wrong with this book.
September 14, 2023
The audio seems to make it worse...
December 8, 2020
(Audiobook narration included at bottom)
I don’t even know how many series I’ve read by this author, but I never turn one down. I like the concept for this storyline, with the brothers. I’m going to enjoy spending time with all of them, throughout the series. They are very active in each other’s lives, even living in the same building, so there’s no doubt we’ve seen the last of the two main characters in this book. I love series like that, because it prolongs having to say goodbye.
This series is very intriguing. I found myself wanting to know how it ended from the moment I began reading. There were some cheesy moments in this story, but I find I don’t mind that. Especially since the story was captivating. I make allowances, and even offer some forgiveness, if the other elements of the story are intact. In this story, they were. I loved the interactions between the brothers. We got to see various sides to all of them, and that was nice. Seb and Derek were extremely likable, and had great chemistry.
The next book in the story centers on Eli, and I’m really looking forward to it. I appreciate how bates includes a glance, into the next book, at the end of the previous book. It amps up the anticipation.
***I voluntarily accepted a copy of this book from Gay Romance Reviews. My review reflects my own thoughts and opinions***
📚🎧 Narrator: Joseph Thorson 🎧📚
Ratings:
Overall: 4 Stars
Narrator: 4 Stars
Story: 4 Stars
Joseph Thorson is a new to me narrator. I loved the voices he gave Seb and Dr. Dish. There was only one mistake in voices, that I caught. He accidentally used Derek’s voice for Seb, towards the end. Other than that, he did a fantastic job. I would gladly listen to more books narrated by him.
I don’t even know how many series I’ve read by this author, but I never turn one down. I like the concept for this storyline, with the brothers. I’m going to enjoy spending time with all of them, throughout the series. They are very active in each other’s lives, even living in the same building, so there’s no doubt we’ve seen the last of the two main characters in this book. I love series like that, because it prolongs having to say goodbye.
This series is very intriguing. I found myself wanting to know how it ended from the moment I began reading. There were some cheesy moments in this story, but I find I don’t mind that. Especially since the story was captivating. I make allowances, and even offer some forgiveness, if the other elements of the story are intact. In this story, they were. I loved the interactions between the brothers. We got to see various sides to all of them, and that was nice. Seb and Derek were extremely likable, and had great chemistry.
The next book in the story centers on Eli, and I’m really looking forward to it. I appreciate how bates includes a glance, into the next book, at the end of the previous book. It amps up the anticipation.
***I voluntarily accepted a copy of this book from Gay Romance Reviews. My review reflects my own thoughts and opinions***
📚🎧 Narrator: Joseph Thorson 🎧📚
Ratings:
Overall: 4 Stars
Narrator: 4 Stars
Story: 4 Stars
Joseph Thorson is a new to me narrator. I loved the voices he gave Seb and Dr. Dish. There was only one mistake in voices, that I caught. He accidentally used Derek’s voice for Seb, towards the end. Other than that, he did a fantastic job. I would gladly listen to more books narrated by him.
July 26, 2020
Brand new series about 8 Brothers that became a family threw trial and error and a very broken foster care system there bond proves you can have family no matter were you come from.
Derek one of the oldest brothers works the ER as a doctor he sees allot of trauma and allot of abuse and he thinks his latest patient is hiding his a sprayed wrist and bruises but its way worse then that. He's instantly attracted to Sébastien but it breaks ever code he has to get envolved with him but when he sees him back in his ER again and has to bring him back from death he doesn't know how to let him walk away something is terrible wrong in Sébastien's life. Soon they will have to figure out what they mean together in the middle of all the trouble.
Sébastien is out of college and mixing drinks at a local bar and occasionally putting his haker skills to the test. But when he falls on the way home he ends up meeting Dr. Dish (Derek). Who new they would meet again he just whises he new how he ended up in the Potomac and back in the ER the only clue he has is a memory of fighting with his brother and seeing something he shouldn't have. Now men are after him his brother is missing and he's growing closer to Derek ever day but when he knows the truth he can't stay he has to walk away. Will two men who care for each other but have trust issues be able to make it back together again. This book has family drama brotherly love a mystery and allot of steam.
I was allowed to read and advance copy of this book via Booksprout and this is my honest review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Derek one of the oldest brothers works the ER as a doctor he sees allot of trauma and allot of abuse and he thinks his latest patient is hiding his a sprayed wrist and bruises but its way worse then that. He's instantly attracted to Sébastien but it breaks ever code he has to get envolved with him but when he sees him back in his ER again and has to bring him back from death he doesn't know how to let him walk away something is terrible wrong in Sébastien's life. Soon they will have to figure out what they mean together in the middle of all the trouble.
Sébastien is out of college and mixing drinks at a local bar and occasionally putting his haker skills to the test. But when he falls on the way home he ends up meeting Dr. Dish (Derek). Who new they would meet again he just whises he new how he ended up in the Potomac and back in the ER the only clue he has is a memory of fighting with his brother and seeing something he shouldn't have. Now men are after him his brother is missing and he's growing closer to Derek ever day but when he knows the truth he can't stay he has to walk away. Will two men who care for each other but have trust issues be able to make it back together again. This book has family drama brotherly love a mystery and allot of steam.
I was allowed to read and advance copy of this book via Booksprout and this is my honest review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
July 24, 2020
How much can you struggle with the idea that your brother is embezzling? What is more alarming about that revelation is nearly losing your life and ending up over a bridge and in the Potomac River.
*******************************************************************
Sebastian was in the in the ER, injured and ogling the doctor treating him. As if his issues aren't enough, he had to lie to the "hot doctor" when questioned about the bruises, especially since his wrist had him in a hospital while his bruises were ever present while from the previous encounter. Also having lost his parents a few years before - leaving he and his brother alone - there is too much for one person to bear.
Derek is the ER physician who provided medical care to Seb on the evening. Little did he know, he would run into his patient again, and under a more dire set of circumstances.
He finds out a young man has been pulled out of a dangerous river, no vitals, not breathing. The young man in question was Sebastian.
Guarding your heart and trying to protect him won't be the easiest thing he's ever done. Sebastian is unaware of who to trust, but given the circumstances, its warranted. Ben was more trouble than Sebastian had ever dreamed. The kind that could cost him his life.
Will love eventually come for these two men? One can only hope.
Nice introduction to a new series. Good story line for the MCs and a great introduction to what I hope are new characters for upcoming books in the series.
**I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.**
*******************************************************************
Sebastian was in the in the ER, injured and ogling the doctor treating him. As if his issues aren't enough, he had to lie to the "hot doctor" when questioned about the bruises, especially since his wrist had him in a hospital while his bruises were ever present while from the previous encounter. Also having lost his parents a few years before - leaving he and his brother alone - there is too much for one person to bear.
Derek is the ER physician who provided medical care to Seb on the evening. Little did he know, he would run into his patient again, and under a more dire set of circumstances.
He finds out a young man has been pulled out of a dangerous river, no vitals, not breathing. The young man in question was Sebastian.
Guarding your heart and trying to protect him won't be the easiest thing he's ever done. Sebastian is unaware of who to trust, but given the circumstances, its warranted. Ben was more trouble than Sebastian had ever dreamed. The kind that could cost him his life.
Will love eventually come for these two men? One can only hope.
Nice introduction to a new series. Good story line for the MCs and a great introduction to what I hope are new characters for upcoming books in the series.
**I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.**
July 27, 2020
Well, that was intense! Mr Bates not only can't write a bad book, his series are as addictive as smooth chocolate. This book is a good start. Seb lost his parents 4 years prior to the start of the story. His brother, Ben was a homophobic accountant who is embezzling money from his clients. Seb is a white hat hacker. He helps Ben fix his computer problems. He recently graduated from UDC and hopes to get a job with one of the alphabet agencies. Seb realizes his brother is embezzling from his employers. When Ben realized Seb saw his work, he tried to bully Seb into silence. Seb tried to check Ben, who knocked him out and threw him into the Potomac. This is the second time Dr Derek meets Seb in his ER. The second time, it was touch and go if Derek could save his life, but he did. When Seb came to, all he could think of was confronting Ben and clearing the air. So, he AMA released himself, then realized how bad off he was physically even though he wanted to confront Ben to confirm he hadn't caused problems. The story gets more exciting after that. The adventure continues. Dr Derek asks Eli to trail Seb. We get to meet Dr Derek's foster brothers, whom Dr Derek grew up protecting Matt, Sean the twins, Richie, Eli, Hunter, Owen, Brax. It's gonna be a fun series. Does Seb find out what Ben is up to? Is it bad? Does Dr Derek help/save Seb? How bad is Seb's problems? Does he stop having his accidents? Well done! I received an ARC from Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review. Nice cover art!
February 3, 2021
Jesus Christ on a cracker. This was awful. It started ok but soon went off the rails. The plot made very very little sense, among others:
- A CompSci major who apparently graduated top of his class cannot find a job? since when?
- The doctor has a PhD and not an MD? What?
- There are far too many brothers and it's a blatant way to set up an entire series, which I *hate*. Their characterisation is also thinner than bible paper.
- The found family trope *can* sometimes work but mostly it falls flat for me. Here it never even got a slight lifeline.
- The "relationship conflict" was... ridiculous. I agree that a 22 year old and a 30+ year old have too much of an age difference, considering their different life stages. However, if it is handled with care and the people in the relationship talk, etc., it can work. Reader, in this book it did not work. Sebastian behaved, sounded, thought, and planned like a teenager. Every time he protested he was not a kid he sounded even more and more like the literal child he is. Derek's behaviour was also egregious, towards Sebastian (who is his patient! who he orders be stalked! who he basically fetishises!) and his brothers, who he shouts at, orders around, and is generally an ass to.
- The writing is terrible. To wit, "young cock", "homoerotic encounters", everyone refers to "the" brothers instead of "my" brothers...
I should have DNF'd one of the million times I was tempted to but, man, I really felt like reading a doctor book.
- A CompSci major who apparently graduated top of his class cannot find a job? since when?
- The doctor has a PhD and not an MD? What?
- There are far too many brothers and it's a blatant way to set up an entire series, which I *hate*. Their characterisation is also thinner than bible paper.
- The found family trope *can* sometimes work but mostly it falls flat for me. Here it never even got a slight lifeline.
- The "relationship conflict" was... ridiculous. I agree that a 22 year old and a 30+ year old have too much of an age difference, considering their different life stages. However, if it is handled with care and the people in the relationship talk, etc., it can work. Reader, in this book it did not work. Sebastian behaved, sounded, thought, and planned like a teenager. Every time he protested he was not a kid he sounded even more and more like the literal child he is. Derek's behaviour was also egregious, towards Sebastian (who is his patient! who he orders be stalked! who he basically fetishises!) and his brothers, who he shouts at, orders around, and is generally an ass to.
- The writing is terrible. To wit, "young cock", "homoerotic encounters", everyone refers to "the" brothers instead of "my" brothers...
I should have DNF'd one of the million times I was tempted to but, man, I really felt like reading a doctor book.
July 25, 2020
Derek had a hard life growing up but with the support of his foster brothers he became a successful ER doctor. He and his brothers love to help others in need. He never usually has a hard time with crossing the line with a patient but when he meets Sebastian it’s challenging to say the least.
Sebastian lost his parent not that long ago. The only family he has left is his homophobic brother. He’s had a few injuries recently and he thinks it’s a run of bad luck but when he’s found in the river half dead and miraculously survives he thinks there’s more to it than that. When fixing his brother’s computer he sees something he shouldn’t have and now he’s wondering if his brother tried to kill him or if there’s more to what’s been happening to him.
Sebastian finds sanctuary in Derek and the building he built with his brothers the Vanguard Towers. He’s envious of the bond Derek has with his brothers. He doesn’t want to get used to the safety because he doesn’t trust it.
This was a great start to a new series. I definitely see the potential however I did have a couple issues. Sebastian was a little difficult to connect with but I did love Derek and his brothers. I wish there was more back story into Derek’s past but overall I enjoyed the book. Looking forward to getting to know the other brothers.
I voluntarily reviewed an advanced copy of this book.
Sebastian lost his parent not that long ago. The only family he has left is his homophobic brother. He’s had a few injuries recently and he thinks it’s a run of bad luck but when he’s found in the river half dead and miraculously survives he thinks there’s more to it than that. When fixing his brother’s computer he sees something he shouldn’t have and now he’s wondering if his brother tried to kill him or if there’s more to what’s been happening to him.
Sebastian finds sanctuary in Derek and the building he built with his brothers the Vanguard Towers. He’s envious of the bond Derek has with his brothers. He doesn’t want to get used to the safety because he doesn’t trust it.
This was a great start to a new series. I definitely see the potential however I did have a couple issues. Sebastian was a little difficult to connect with but I did love Derek and his brothers. I wish there was more back story into Derek’s past but overall I enjoyed the book. Looking forward to getting to know the other brothers.
I voluntarily reviewed an advanced copy of this book.
July 28, 2020
3.5 stars
I think that this series shows promise. This is the first book in the series, and I think it suffered from the fact that one of the main characters had seven brothers, and they will all presumably be getting their own books in the future. It just seemed like a lot of set-up for the rest of the series, which detracted from Derek and Seb’s story.
Aiden Bates is a very hit or miss author for me, and I am not convinced that all of his books were written by the same person. Not only is the volume that he writes a lot for one person, but the writing style and tone of some of his books are completely different than others. I know that sometimes he collaborates with other authors, but it looks like he will be releasing three new books this month alone, which is bananas. This book seems similar to the Silver Oaks Medical Center, Frat Boys, Brotherly Love, and Hellion Club books. And I really liked those, so that is a compliment The characters seem more contemporary, and there is some witty and snappy dialogue. However, I understand the necessity of setting the scene for the series, but maybe a total of eight brothers was a little ambitious?
I am really looking forward to the next book. I am really hoping that a continuation of this story without the distraction of trying to establish personalities for seven peripheral characters will be a fun read.
I think that this series shows promise. This is the first book in the series, and I think it suffered from the fact that one of the main characters had seven brothers, and they will all presumably be getting their own books in the future. It just seemed like a lot of set-up for the rest of the series, which detracted from Derek and Seb’s story.
Aiden Bates is a very hit or miss author for me, and I am not convinced that all of his books were written by the same person. Not only is the volume that he writes a lot for one person, but the writing style and tone of some of his books are completely different than others. I know that sometimes he collaborates with other authors, but it looks like he will be releasing three new books this month alone, which is bananas. This book seems similar to the Silver Oaks Medical Center, Frat Boys, Brotherly Love, and Hellion Club books. And I really liked those, so that is a compliment The characters seem more contemporary, and there is some witty and snappy dialogue. However, I understand the necessity of setting the scene for the series, but maybe a total of eight brothers was a little ambitious?
I am really looking forward to the next book. I am really hoping that a continuation of this story without the distraction of trying to establish personalities for seven peripheral characters will be a fun read.
January 15, 2021
A beautiful mess like Seb's face when reality hits
Characters were fun, setup was interesting but gees-louise was the overall plot was dumb as a pile of rocks.
Just *call the police* - many times, many different characters who should know better did not once even suggest calling the police to look into the clearly illegal activity and instead decide to take it on themselves like some stupid action movie and of course, the doctor not only had easy access to guns, but knew how to use them, was also highly proficient with them and fully confident with assault tactics (army bros notwithstanding)!?
Also all the 'front line first responder brother's but not a single one of them is a cop - I just don't understand the underlying lack of even a single reference to the police in this story at all?
Also, I can't speak to the quality of the medical speak at the start of the story but if it was anything like the references to code and programming then.. yeaaah! I'm still freaking out over the concept of 'executing the string' in the manner it was presented.
I still had more fun than not tho (although there's some 'issues' in the sex scenes that should have both Derek and Seb talking to a counsellor - both consenting adults and it's a fantasy - but in the real world could lead to a pretty ducked up relationship').
Characters were fun, setup was interesting but gees-louise was the overall plot was dumb as a pile of rocks.
Just *call the police* - many times, many different characters who should know better did not once even suggest calling the police to look into the clearly illegal activity and instead decide to take it on themselves like some stupid action movie and of course, the doctor not only had easy access to guns, but knew how to use them, was also highly proficient with them and fully confident with assault tactics (army bros notwithstanding)!?
Also all the 'front line first responder brother's but not a single one of them is a cop - I just don't understand the underlying lack of even a single reference to the police in this story at all?
Also, I can't speak to the quality of the medical speak at the start of the story but if it was anything like the references to code and programming then.. yeaaah! I'm still freaking out over the concept of 'executing the string' in the manner it was presented.
I still had more fun than not tho (although there's some 'issues' in the sex scenes that should have both Derek and Seb talking to a counsellor - both consenting adults and it's a fantasy - but in the real world could lead to a pretty ducked up relationship').
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