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Heroes of Port Dale #2
Hit or Miss, to Kill or Kiss
Clay: I’m an assassin, and I’m not ashamed of it. I’m good at what I do, and the people I kill deserve it. One more contract, one more hunt, one more kill. To be honest, it’s getting old. Until this latest job. Suddenly there’s someone between me and my target. What’s worse is he gets the better of me, twice! He’s a problem I’ve never had before…and maybe even more.
Elliot: After years in the Marines, and playing personal bodyguard, I thought I’d seen it all. An assassin coming after the philanthropist I’m paid to protect was a surprise, but not really a shock. The shock came later. The assassin is a killer with the most beautiful eyes, and damn it, I even trust him...and more.
Clay is paid to kill, Elliot is paid to protect…the same person. The two men stand no chance together. But things aren’t always what they seem. As Fate conspires to change the rules of the game, will she change the inevitable outcome?
Elliot: After years in the Marines, and playing personal bodyguard, I thought I’d seen it all. An assassin coming after the philanthropist I’m paid to protect was a surprise, but not really a shock. The shock came later. The assassin is a killer with the most beautiful eyes, and damn it, I even trust him...and more.
Clay is paid to kill, Elliot is paid to protect…the same person. The two men stand no chance together. But things aren’t always what they seem. As Fate conspires to change the rules of the game, will she change the inevitable outcome?
184 pages, Kindle Edition
Published August 3, 2020
563 people are currently reading
432 people want to read
About the author
Romeo Alexander
93 books635 followersRomeo Alexander lives in Michigan, USA, with his dog and two cats. As a certified night owl, coffee and a wicked sense of humor keep him going most days, as does playing with flavors in the kitchen.
As a proud gay man, Romeo doesn't just write characters—he breathes life into them, infusing them with real-world trials, tribulations, and triumphant love stories. He doesn't just believe in love; he champions it, weaving narratives that prove love's healing power time and again.
Ready for some heart-melting, tear-jerking, and smile-inducing stories that stay with you long after you've turned the last page? Dive into Romeo Alexander's world where love always finds a way. Sign up for his newsletter to be the first to know about his latest literary adventures and grab some freebies along the way! https://romeoalexander.com/newsletter
As a proud gay man, Romeo doesn't just write characters—he breathes life into them, infusing them with real-world trials, tribulations, and triumphant love stories. He doesn't just believe in love; he champions it, weaving narratives that prove love's healing power time and again.
Ready for some heart-melting, tear-jerking, and smile-inducing stories that stay with you long after you've turned the last page? Dive into Romeo Alexander's world where love always finds a way. Sign up for his newsletter to be the first to know about his latest literary adventures and grab some freebies along the way! https://romeoalexander.com/newsletter
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 104 reviews
July 2, 2022
El trabajo de Clay desde que tiene memoria es ser el mejor asesino, pero aunque es un asesino tiene su codigo moral, nunca matar a alguien que no sea verdaderamente culpable, y para eso investiga y busca pruebas de cada persona a la que le asignan. Pero ultimamente su trabajo ha sido muy aburrido, ninguno de sus blancos ha sido un reto, y quizas eso es lo que le esta haciendo falta a su vida, un reto. Hasta un dia que le asignan para asesinar a hombre culpable de trafico de personas, encuentra en el guardaespaldas un verdadero reto, quizas si logra terminar con su blanco pueda buscar algo con el guardaespaldas?
Elliot pensaba en hacer carrera en el ejercito, pero una lesion en la pierna lo obligo a buscar otras opciones en el mundo civil, asi se convirtio en su propia empresa de guardaespaldas. Cuando acepta a un cliente que ha recibido ya un atentado de muerte, se topa con un asesino que realmente esta probando sus capacidades al maximo, y cuando se da cuenta que dicho asesino es un joven por el que se siente atraido, decide darle la oportunidad de probar su caso en contra de su cliente.
Ahora no solo la quimica entre ellos sera explosiva, sino tambien la lucha contra el cliente que al verse descubierto decide intentar eliminarlos a ambos. Solo su experiencia y entrenamientos les permitira a ambos sobrevivir y poner tener un futuro juntos.
El libro esta lleno de accion, misterio y mucha tension sexual, ambos protas tienen muchisima quimica y eso se siente cuando se esta leyendo. Ademas de ser un par de personajes bastantes complejos, no sabemos mucho de ellos, un poco de su pasado, pero al libro esta casi completamente enfocado en el descubrimiento y captura del criminal, cuando el libro termina apenas sabemos que van a quedar juntos y que llevan una vida como pareja.
En fin, es un libro entretenido, emocionante, que se basa mas en la contruccion de la relacion que en las escenas eroticas, asi que al final se tiene una pareja solida que promete tener una larga vida juntos.
Elliot pensaba en hacer carrera en el ejercito, pero una lesion en la pierna lo obligo a buscar otras opciones en el mundo civil, asi se convirtio en su propia empresa de guardaespaldas. Cuando acepta a un cliente que ha recibido ya un atentado de muerte, se topa con un asesino que realmente esta probando sus capacidades al maximo, y cuando se da cuenta que dicho asesino es un joven por el que se siente atraido, decide darle la oportunidad de probar su caso en contra de su cliente.
Ahora no solo la quimica entre ellos sera explosiva, sino tambien la lucha contra el cliente que al verse descubierto decide intentar eliminarlos a ambos. Solo su experiencia y entrenamientos les permitira a ambos sobrevivir y poner tener un futuro juntos.
El libro esta lleno de accion, misterio y mucha tension sexual, ambos protas tienen muchisima quimica y eso se siente cuando se esta leyendo. Ademas de ser un par de personajes bastantes complejos, no sabemos mucho de ellos, un poco de su pasado, pero al libro esta casi completamente enfocado en el descubrimiento y captura del criminal, cuando el libro termina apenas sabemos que van a quedar juntos y que llevan una vida como pareja.
En fin, es un libro entretenido, emocionante, que se basa mas en la contruccion de la relacion que en las escenas eroticas, asi que al final se tiene una pareja solida que promete tener una larga vida juntos.
October 15, 2020
More exciting than I expected ! Wow ! An assassin meets a bodyguard and it changes both of their lives.
Elliot, 32, a huge, muscled Marine, now with
his own security business, accepts a job protecting a man who runs a charity fund organization. The man, Anthony, has had a few attempts on his life, so, Elliot steps up.
When an assassin attacks Anthony, Elliott thwarts that attack.
Assassin Clay, tough and skilled, had met his match,
which intrigued them both. They meet up again, and an unlikely attraction and events ensue.
Clay knows a lot more than Elliott knows about Anthony, and shares his information. Elliott is stunned, but realizes it's true. How will they proceed on the case?
Our men give in to their urge to have sexy times, and they sizzle, but it's more than sex.
Violence, kidnapping, and rescue, are all fantastic. I'll be reading the next one in this series.
ENJOY !
======
Elliot, 32, a huge, muscled Marine, now with
his own security business, accepts a job protecting a man who runs a charity fund organization. The man, Anthony, has had a few attempts on his life, so, Elliot steps up.
When an assassin attacks Anthony, Elliott thwarts that attack.
Assassin Clay, tough and skilled, had met his match,
which intrigued them both. They meet up again, and an unlikely attraction and events ensue.
Clay knows a lot more than Elliott knows about Anthony, and shares his information. Elliott is stunned, but realizes it's true. How will they proceed on the case?
Our men give in to their urge to have sexy times, and they sizzle, but it's more than sex.
Violence, kidnapping, and rescue, are all fantastic. I'll be reading the next one in this series.
ENJOY !
======
August 29, 2021
Cute assassin v bodyguard romance
I love these Fort/Port Dale series of books from Romeo. They're not necessarily very clever plots or overly complex narratives, but they are just fun.
In this one two people with surprisingly similar backgrounds who ended up down very different paths in life end up finding the love of their life in extreme circumstances.
I loved both Clay and Elliott and I was surprised at part of the plot, I thought the author might twist it in a different direction.
Overall though, a medium steamy and cute romance.
I love these Fort/Port Dale series of books from Romeo. They're not necessarily very clever plots or overly complex narratives, but they are just fun.
In this one two people with surprisingly similar backgrounds who ended up down very different paths in life end up finding the love of their life in extreme circumstances.
I loved both Clay and Elliott and I was surprised at part of the plot, I thought the author might twist it in a different direction.
Overall though, a medium steamy and cute romance.
September 19, 2024
Reread 16-19.09.2021
Ciągle dobre i ciągle zdecydowanie zbyt krótkie, by dać pięć gwiazdek.
* * * * * * *
Jedna rzecz mnie lekko zaskoczyła, resztę bezproblemowo mogłam przewidzieć.
Czy mi to przeszkadzało?
NIE.
Miałam na to totalnie wyrąbane, bo jak zwykle przy tym autorze, świetnie mi się czytało.
Jedyne zastrzeżenie - była za krótka, mogłabym o Clayu i Elliocie przeczytać książkę trzy razy dłuższą 😁
Ciągle dobre i ciągle zdecydowanie zbyt krótkie, by dać pięć gwiazdek.
* * * * * * *
Jedna rzecz mnie lekko zaskoczyła, resztę bezproblemowo mogłam przewidzieć.
Czy mi to przeszkadzało?
NIE.
Miałam na to totalnie wyrąbane, bo jak zwykle przy tym autorze, świetnie mi się czytało.
Jedyne zastrzeżenie - była za krótka, mogłabym o Clayu i Elliocie przeczytać książkę trzy razy dłuższą 😁
September 1, 2025
Clay: I’m an assassin, and I’m not ashamed of it. I’m good at what I do, and the people I kill deserve it. Elliot: After years in the Marines, and playing personal bodyguard, I thought I’d seen it all. An assassin coming after the philanthropist I’m paid to protect was a surprise, but not really a shock. The shock came later. The assassin is a killer with the most beautiful eyes, and damn it, I even trust him...and more.
Clay is an assassin who...according to him, has no morals or ethics but always makes sure his targets are really unredeemable monsters and that no one else is killed while he's doing his job. We learn about his heartbreaking past, how he became what he is, and we see the glimpses of light within him.
Elliot is an ex-Marine working for himself as a bodyguard. We learn his history and find that he is a good man with ethics, integrity, and morals, but when it comes to the assassin, he finds himself inexplicably looking beneath the surface.
These men are intelligent and quick thinking, confident without being smug. They excel in their job and have met their match in one another. One has been hired to protect the same man that the other has been hired to kill... which makes for very entertaining encounters and leaves both of them frustrated and confused.
Mixed in with all the action are some really good laughs, a lot of intrigue, along with a truly unexpected attraction, deviousness, intense passion, hope, genuine love, and an absolutely beautiful ending that will have you smiling and might even bring tears to your eyes.
The only negative I could see was that some parts felt to be incomplete, but perhaps there is going to be a sequel. We can only hope!
I love this author's work and own almost everything he's ever published. I would definitely recommend this book, or any of his other books.
Clay is an assassin who...according to him, has no morals or ethics but always makes sure his targets are really unredeemable monsters and that no one else is killed while he's doing his job. We learn about his heartbreaking past, how he became what he is, and we see the glimpses of light within him.
Elliot is an ex-Marine working for himself as a bodyguard. We learn his history and find that he is a good man with ethics, integrity, and morals, but when it comes to the assassin, he finds himself inexplicably looking beneath the surface.
These men are intelligent and quick thinking, confident without being smug. They excel in their job and have met their match in one another. One has been hired to protect the same man that the other has been hired to kill... which makes for very entertaining encounters and leaves both of them frustrated and confused.
Mixed in with all the action are some really good laughs, a lot of intrigue, along with a truly unexpected attraction, deviousness, intense passion, hope, genuine love, and an absolutely beautiful ending that will have you smiling and might even bring tears to your eyes.
The only negative I could see was that some parts felt to be incomplete, but perhaps there is going to be a sequel. We can only hope!
I love this author's work and own almost everything he's ever published. I would definitely recommend this book, or any of his other books.
November 3, 2022
This is the second book in the Heroes of Port Dale and features Clay and Elliot. I didn't enjoy this one as much as the first book in this series mainly because I was hoping for a little more romance. This shorter story was about an assassin with a soul and a bodyguard with a brain. Elliot is a big guy who accepts a job protecting Anthony. Clay is the assassin sent to take Anthony out and when their paths cross, their lives change forever.
Clay and Elliot go head-to-head and it's obvious they've met their match. When facts are brought to light, how will Clay and Anthony move forward?
This was full of action and suspense but it was lacking in the romance and steam department. However, it was well written. I really liked both characters and their growth through the story. I will definitely be trying the next book in this series.
Clay and Elliot go head-to-head and it's obvious they've met their match. When facts are brought to light, how will Clay and Anthony move forward?
This was full of action and suspense but it was lacking in the romance and steam department. However, it was well written. I really liked both characters and their growth through the story. I will definitely be trying the next book in this series.
March 4, 2021
2.5 stars
I have no idea what I just read, even less how to review this so I'm leaving this here.
I have no idea what I just read, even less how to review this so I'm leaving this here.
November 8, 2020
Hit or miss
This was awesome story of assassin and bodyguard. Love how these two are on different side of road but then they finally come together to get rid of evil😋
This was awesome story of assassin and bodyguard. Love how these two are on different side of road but then they finally come together to get rid of evil😋
October 16, 2020
Not sure there's much to say about this, because somehow it felt shorter or it felt like nothing much happened. It was less fun but equally easy to read as the first one and definitely more sombre in mood, given the characters' lines of work.
Can't say I felt the same way about them two as I did about Ellias and Cade but it's also kinda expected because it's a different setting and different circumstances. What intrigued me about this one was the contrast between the two points of view and it was very clever to put together the murderer and the bodyguard. Personally, I would have preferred for their rivalry to go on a bit longer; they were both far, far too polite for walking killing machines but I guess the message here was don't judge a book by its cover.
The most enjoyable part was the flirting and all the "did he just?.." bits. Clay being cheeky after the shower part had me chuckling and I wish there were more moments like that - even though you do sense quite early on that he's holding back a lot more than he's willing to admit. I noticed it took considerably long for the two of them to meet and I was starting to lose interest about halfway through.
As far as othe characters go, there's not much to report. Not sure what the sister's point was in this but I thought Clay's handler was a very nice and much needed human touch in a story/life filled with killing and bloodshed. Including a character from the past was also very sweet and it provided a nice closure
The one and only sex 'scene' was given in an equally normal and tintilating way as the first book, but it definitely left me asking for more. I absolutely love that there is no mention of labels and they just accept what they feel and want and that's the way it is.
Finally, I noticed there were a few details that seemed to be linking to the first book - the explosion, the fires - and I did not see that coming! It will be amazing if there's somehow a link between all the books or a mention of the other characters. I guess I'll find out in the next one!
Can't say I felt the same way about them two as I did about Ellias and Cade but it's also kinda expected because it's a different setting and different circumstances. What intrigued me about this one was the contrast between the two points of view and it was very clever to put together the murderer and the bodyguard. Personally, I would have preferred for their rivalry to go on a bit longer; they were both far, far too polite for walking killing machines but I guess the message here was don't judge a book by its cover.
The most enjoyable part was the flirting and all the "did he just?.." bits. Clay being cheeky after the shower part had me chuckling and I wish there were more moments like that - even though you do sense quite early on that he's holding back a lot more than he's willing to admit. I noticed it took considerably long for the two of them to meet and I was starting to lose interest about halfway through.
As far as othe characters go, there's not much to report. Not sure what the sister's point was in this but I thought Clay's handler was a very nice and much needed human touch in a story/life filled with killing and bloodshed. Including a character from the past was also very sweet and it provided a nice closure
The one and only sex 'scene' was given in an equally normal and tintilating way as the first book, but it definitely left me asking for more. I absolutely love that there is no mention of labels and they just accept what they feel and want and that's the way it is.
Finally, I noticed there were a few details that seemed to be linking to the first book - the explosion, the fires - and I did not see that coming! It will be amazing if there's somehow a link between all the books or a mention of the other characters. I guess I'll find out in the next one!
August 9, 2020
Cute.
September 23, 2020
3.5 stars Cotton candy assassin
It started out well enough and the simplistic plot was okay, if far fetched. Turned into major fluff at the end. Easy reading.
It started out well enough and the simplistic plot was okay, if far fetched. Turned into major fluff at the end. Easy reading.
June 9, 2022
3 ⭐️
Not as good as the first book, the story building was set out to be to perfect and every one lived happily ever after,,
Not as good as the first book, the story building was set out to be to perfect and every one lived happily ever after,,
March 6, 2022
I didn’t love this.
For one, there is no romance until 77% into the book, and there wasn’t even romantic inclinations leading up to their first kiss. They randomly meet and have a brief, friendly conversation and that’s really all their relationship was built on. It’s not until way later that they meet again and then kiss, and the in between isn’t even about them at all.
Literally they have ONE normal conversation at a bar with no sexual tension or anything romantic. Then later on they find out that Elliot is protecting the guy that Clay is meant to kill, and then all of a sudden they are in love with each other. There was absolutely no chemistry. It was all extremely forced.
I also just felt the book was quite boring. Nothing really happened until the last 20% or so, and even then it felt typical and contrived.
For one, there is no romance until 77% into the book, and there wasn’t even romantic inclinations leading up to their first kiss. They randomly meet and have a brief, friendly conversation and that’s really all their relationship was built on. It’s not until way later that they meet again and then kiss, and the in between isn’t even about them at all.
Literally they have ONE normal conversation at a bar with no sexual tension or anything romantic. Then later on they find out that Elliot is protecting the guy that Clay is meant to kill, and then all of a sudden they are in love with each other. There was absolutely no chemistry. It was all extremely forced.
I also just felt the book was quite boring. Nothing really happened until the last 20% or so, and even then it felt typical and contrived.
August 20, 2020
This one did not have the immaturity of the previous book in the series, even though the plot was fairly straightforward and I could guess the “twists” way too early on. Assassin and bodyguard is a theme/trope that I very much like, so that was fun.
March 28, 2025
- 2nd: 16/03/2024
3/5 (audio)
I re-read it. Why? I don't know!
- 1st: 04/05/2023
3/5
I listened to the audiobook.
It was globally fine. I liked the idea but the execution was a bit lacking.
3/5 (audio)
I re-read it. Why? I don't know!
- 1st: 04/05/2023
3/5
I listened to the audiobook.
It was globally fine. I liked the idea but the execution was a bit lacking.
January 20, 2021
4.5 stars
I don't know if it is good, but I really enjoyed reading this and it felt good. I was surprised by how this story was written.
I don't know if it is good, but I really enjoyed reading this and it felt good. I was surprised by how this story was written.
Read
September 22, 2020DNF 71%
August 3, 2020
What happens when the only man you ever feel connected to is also the one man standing in the way? Clay is practically a bred assassin - having been working for the Agency since he was a child. Unlike many of the Agency's other employees though Clay has a preference with who he is tasked to kill. He goes after the monsters; the people who are truly vile and evil and done irreputable harm on the world. However lately Clay has been losing the grasp on his put-together world; maybe it's time to get out of the Agency. He is just tasked another target but he runs into problem after problem with the hired protective detail; Elliot; an ex-Marine and someone that is sure keeping Clay on his toes. Contrary to Clay's past of shielding his identity from the world he begins to let Elliot in. Can he open up Elliot's eyes to the evil of his assigned target; or will he break more then just his commitment to the Agency; will he break his heart?
This novel is the second book in "The Heroes of Port Dale" series. It can be read as a standalone. It features enemies-to-lovers; opposites-attract (sort of) trope and a lot of explosive secrets and emotions bursting at the seams. This isn't your typically romance - it's more driven by the adventure and suspense of assassin and bodyguard dancing around each other as they try to kill and protect. You never firmly know where each character’s loyalties lay (especially at first). But as the story progresses the characters are peeled back, like an onion, one layer at a time. The most fascinating for me was watching the author do this with Clay's character. There's no denying that he's a killer but the point is to route for him and help him get to his end goal. In order to do this, we need to have an attachment to him and I think the vulnerability behind this hard-core assassin was stripped away very intricately by him revealing his emotions and opening himself up. His character reminded me of the tv show Dexter; how Dexter went after all those people that have done bad things- he didn't kill to kill- his killings had purpose and there was motivation behind his actions. It is very evident that Clay's motivations to kill is not solely focused on the monetary gain but riding the world of these horrible people.
While these two men couldn't be any different the author takes you into the mindset that maybe they in fact aren't as different as they seem. I found myself really questioning what is good or bad and how initially their individual morals are different they are also after the same outcome. This alone is just interesting to watch as the story unfolds.
So, while there is romance in this novel there's no hot and heavy scenes until 75% of the book. I think the main message behind the story was the intimacy of the relationship between these two men and not so much the intimacy that sex brings. In some cases, I think that makes this book even more powerful.
I really enjoyed this book and would recommend reading!
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
This novel is the second book in "The Heroes of Port Dale" series. It can be read as a standalone. It features enemies-to-lovers; opposites-attract (sort of) trope and a lot of explosive secrets and emotions bursting at the seams. This isn't your typically romance - it's more driven by the adventure and suspense of assassin and bodyguard dancing around each other as they try to kill and protect. You never firmly know where each character’s loyalties lay (especially at first). But as the story progresses the characters are peeled back, like an onion, one layer at a time. The most fascinating for me was watching the author do this with Clay's character. There's no denying that he's a killer but the point is to route for him and help him get to his end goal. In order to do this, we need to have an attachment to him and I think the vulnerability behind this hard-core assassin was stripped away very intricately by him revealing his emotions and opening himself up. His character reminded me of the tv show Dexter; how Dexter went after all those people that have done bad things- he didn't kill to kill- his killings had purpose and there was motivation behind his actions. It is very evident that Clay's motivations to kill is not solely focused on the monetary gain but riding the world of these horrible people.
While these two men couldn't be any different the author takes you into the mindset that maybe they in fact aren't as different as they seem. I found myself really questioning what is good or bad and how initially their individual morals are different they are also after the same outcome. This alone is just interesting to watch as the story unfolds.
So, while there is romance in this novel there's no hot and heavy scenes until 75% of the book. I think the main message behind the story was the intimacy of the relationship between these two men and not so much the intimacy that sex brings. In some cases, I think that makes this book even more powerful.
I really enjoyed this book and would recommend reading!
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
July 1, 2024
I need a little ARC break, and I figured I might as well be productive about it (getting one step closer to crossing another author off my to-binge list). Here's "Hit or Miss, Kill or Kiss." It's the second book in Romeo Alexander's Heroes of Port Dale series.
["Clay: I’m an assassin, and I’m not ashamed of it. I’m good at what I do, and the people I kill deserve it. One more contract, one more hunt, one more kill. To be honest, it’s getting old. Until this latest job. Suddenly there’s someone between me and my target. What’s worse is he gets the better of me, twice! He’s a problem I’ve never had before…and maybe even more.
Elliot: After years in the Marines, and playing personal bodyguard, I thought I’d seen it all. An assassin coming after the philanthropist I’m paid to protect was a surprise, but not really a shock. The shock came later. The assassin is a killer with the most beautiful eyes, and damn it, I even trust him...and more.
Clay is paid to kill, Elliot is paid to protect…the same person. The two men stand no chance together. But things aren’t always what they seem. As Fate conspires to change the rules of the game, will she change the inevitable outcome?"]
These two were sooo much! I mean, what's more fascinating than a hired-killer falling for a hired-bodyguard. It's dark and twisty and forbidden and awesome. They both changed their views on life and morality and love. They grew as people because of the other person and their experiences.
The romance almost seemed sudden, but they spent so long getting to know each other that when the spice and fluff happened, it was inevitable.
Trigger Warnings: foster care system, violence, horrible humans doing horrible things, and more.
#twostraightstoomany #hitormisskillorkiss #drawingthedoctor #unbreakmyheart #whereweleftoff #twobestmenonlyonebed #wheretheressmoke #romeoalexander #menoffortdale #menoffortdaleseries #heroesofportdale #heroesofportdaleseries #books #queerbooks #queererotica #bodicerippers #bookstagram #bookphotography #ilovebooks
["Clay: I’m an assassin, and I’m not ashamed of it. I’m good at what I do, and the people I kill deserve it. One more contract, one more hunt, one more kill. To be honest, it’s getting old. Until this latest job. Suddenly there’s someone between me and my target. What’s worse is he gets the better of me, twice! He’s a problem I’ve never had before…and maybe even more.
Elliot: After years in the Marines, and playing personal bodyguard, I thought I’d seen it all. An assassin coming after the philanthropist I’m paid to protect was a surprise, but not really a shock. The shock came later. The assassin is a killer with the most beautiful eyes, and damn it, I even trust him...and more.
Clay is paid to kill, Elliot is paid to protect…the same person. The two men stand no chance together. But things aren’t always what they seem. As Fate conspires to change the rules of the game, will she change the inevitable outcome?"]
These two were sooo much! I mean, what's more fascinating than a hired-killer falling for a hired-bodyguard. It's dark and twisty and forbidden and awesome. They both changed their views on life and morality and love. They grew as people because of the other person and their experiences.
The romance almost seemed sudden, but they spent so long getting to know each other that when the spice and fluff happened, it was inevitable.
Trigger Warnings: foster care system, violence, horrible humans doing horrible things, and more.
#twostraightstoomany #hitormisskillorkiss #drawingthedoctor #unbreakmyheart #whereweleftoff #twobestmenonlyonebed #wheretheressmoke #romeoalexander #menoffortdale #menoffortdaleseries #heroesofportdale #heroesofportdaleseries #books #queerbooks #queererotica #bodicerippers #bookstagram #bookphotography #ilovebooks
August 4, 2020
4.5☆
Clay is an accomplished assassin who - according to himself - has no morals or ethics but always makes sure his targets are true monsters and that no one else is killed while doing his job. We learn about his heartbreaking past, how he became what he is, and we see the glimpses of light within him. Elliot is an ex Marine working for himself as a bodyguard, we learn his history and find he is a good man with ethics, integrity, and morals, but when it comes to the assassin, he finds himself inexplicably looking beneath the surface.
These men are intelligent and quick thinking, confident without being smug, they excel in their job and have met their match in each other as one is hired to protect the same man the other is hired to kill which makes for some very entertaining encounters and leaves them frustrated and confused. Mixed in with the action are some laughs, a bunch of intrigue, a truly unexpected attraction, deviousness, intense passion, hope, genuine love, and an absolutely beautiful ending that will have you smiling and bring tears to your eyes.
I would definitely recommend this book!
The only negative is that some parts feel incomplete.
** SPOILER**
What happened with the business Anthony had - was the truth uncovered, and what was up with his sketchy partner - was he also involved, was he the one who wanted A killed? Also, what did Clay end up doing after he was no longer an assassin?
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Clay is an accomplished assassin who - according to himself - has no morals or ethics but always makes sure his targets are true monsters and that no one else is killed while doing his job. We learn about his heartbreaking past, how he became what he is, and we see the glimpses of light within him. Elliot is an ex Marine working for himself as a bodyguard, we learn his history and find he is a good man with ethics, integrity, and morals, but when it comes to the assassin, he finds himself inexplicably looking beneath the surface.
These men are intelligent and quick thinking, confident without being smug, they excel in their job and have met their match in each other as one is hired to protect the same man the other is hired to kill which makes for some very entertaining encounters and leaves them frustrated and confused. Mixed in with the action are some laughs, a bunch of intrigue, a truly unexpected attraction, deviousness, intense passion, hope, genuine love, and an absolutely beautiful ending that will have you smiling and bring tears to your eyes.
I would definitely recommend this book!
The only negative is that some parts feel incomplete.
** SPOILER**
What happened with the business Anthony had - was the truth uncovered, and what was up with his sketchy partner - was he also involved, was he the one who wanted A killed? Also, what did Clay end up doing after he was no longer an assassin?
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
November 15, 2020
The blurb made me curious about this audio book. It was my first book of this author.
The book can be read without knowledge of the other books in this series "Heroes of Port Dale", but the plot really got me and I'm looking forward to read/listen the other parts of the series.
Right from the beginning it was easy to get into the story. Very soon you get to know the two main characters Clay and Elliot. From the start their differences and similarities are clearly visible. Elliot pays attention to his structures and Clay to his principles. They slowly get to know each other and I could feel the emotions and sparks between them. Even if this sounds quite romantic, the plot and the character development is the main content. Both protagonists are challenged to question their choices and to embrace change.
The storyline itself captivated me and I was curious to see how Elliot and Clay develop. I liked the writing very much, the author has a talent for revisiting single scenes of the story and connect them. It's one of those books that leaves you with a smile on your face. I am looking forward to read more books from this author.
The narrator Keith Smith knows how to transport the tension and to emphasize the emotions. His voice is a very good cast for this series.
Four books have already been published, at the moment the first two are available as audio book.
The book can be read without knowledge of the other books in this series "Heroes of Port Dale", but the plot really got me and I'm looking forward to read/listen the other parts of the series.
Right from the beginning it was easy to get into the story. Very soon you get to know the two main characters Clay and Elliot. From the start their differences and similarities are clearly visible. Elliot pays attention to his structures and Clay to his principles. They slowly get to know each other and I could feel the emotions and sparks between them. Even if this sounds quite romantic, the plot and the character development is the main content. Both protagonists are challenged to question their choices and to embrace change.
The storyline itself captivated me and I was curious to see how Elliot and Clay develop. I liked the writing very much, the author has a talent for revisiting single scenes of the story and connect them. It's one of those books that leaves you with a smile on your face. I am looking forward to read more books from this author.
The narrator Keith Smith knows how to transport the tension and to emphasize the emotions. His voice is a very good cast for this series.
Four books have already been published, at the moment the first two are available as audio book.
August 5, 2020
The Assassin and the Bodyguard
Book two in the Heroes of Port Dale was really a great story. I was enthralled from beginning to end. It was getting late and past my bedtime but I couldn't put it down...I had to finish it and I'm glad I did. Clay and Elliot cat and mouse/tit for tat game was kind of like a long drawn out foreplay.This was some classic entertainment and I enjoyed every minute of it. Elliot had some serious skills against the skilled killer Clay. Throughout their "game" the guys had mad respect for one another so when Elliot finally "won" I was happy because now i knew this was a turning point in the story where the fellas get to know each other better and where the attraction builds. I loved their banter...some deep moments...some funny moments. Once they come to an agreement and are willing to work with each other, the sweetness and wonderfulness of being cared for and loved takes over. Now the big problem between them that had them at odds in the first place was still hanging around but fate made a way and took care of that problem and they guys had their HEA. That last chapter was delightful. i'm loving this series and can't wait for Book Three.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Book two in the Heroes of Port Dale was really a great story. I was enthralled from beginning to end. It was getting late and past my bedtime but I couldn't put it down...I had to finish it and I'm glad I did. Clay and Elliot cat and mouse/tit for tat game was kind of like a long drawn out foreplay.This was some classic entertainment and I enjoyed every minute of it. Elliot had some serious skills against the skilled killer Clay. Throughout their "game" the guys had mad respect for one another so when Elliot finally "won" I was happy because now i knew this was a turning point in the story where the fellas get to know each other better and where the attraction builds. I loved their banter...some deep moments...some funny moments. Once they come to an agreement and are willing to work with each other, the sweetness and wonderfulness of being cared for and loved takes over. Now the big problem between them that had them at odds in the first place was still hanging around but fate made a way and took care of that problem and they guys had their HEA. That last chapter was delightful. i'm loving this series and can't wait for Book Three.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
April 21, 2021
Hit or Miss, Indeed
If you read the blurb and roll your eyes at the possibility that an assassin and a bodyguard can get together after they independently realize that the assassin's target and the bodyguard's client are the same person, stop the eye roll.
This one works.
Actually, it's almost hilarious how it works and in a twist on most MM romance thrillers it takes a while for big blond hunky bodyguard Elliott and wily, wiry, fit Clay to hit the sheets, which is the whole point but not really.
This is a plot-driven book in a plot-driven series in which characters from one book pop up in another (very briefly and to no effect in one case, very importantly because a subsequent book features one of them).
This one has two interesting MCs but to my mind the one who is the central focus is Clay the assassin. What a life tale he gives us. Even though we eventually see that both he and Elliott have very similar child histories Clay's evolution into a paid assassin is far more interesting than Elliott's evolution into a Marine and security provider.
This one, like most of Romeo Alexander's works, surprised me by how it interrupted my reading of some other really good books on my Kindle in order to get to the end.
On to the next one.
If you read the blurb and roll your eyes at the possibility that an assassin and a bodyguard can get together after they independently realize that the assassin's target and the bodyguard's client are the same person, stop the eye roll.
This one works.
Actually, it's almost hilarious how it works and in a twist on most MM romance thrillers it takes a while for big blond hunky bodyguard Elliott and wily, wiry, fit Clay to hit the sheets, which is the whole point but not really.
This is a plot-driven book in a plot-driven series in which characters from one book pop up in another (very briefly and to no effect in one case, very importantly because a subsequent book features one of them).
This one has two interesting MCs but to my mind the one who is the central focus is Clay the assassin. What a life tale he gives us. Even though we eventually see that both he and Elliott have very similar child histories Clay's evolution into a paid assassin is far more interesting than Elliott's evolution into a Marine and security provider.
This one, like most of Romeo Alexander's works, surprised me by how it interrupted my reading of some other really good books on my Kindle in order to get to the end.
On to the next one.
August 5, 2020
Life can be exciting on it's own, then you meet your professional nemisis and are truly challenged! Clay is a successful, proud assasin. He takes great pride in his work. He is like the Robin Hood of death. He takes the life of the reprehensible who would hurt the good. Elliot is a Marine, medically discharged, then fully recovered, who works as a bodyguard. His latest client, Anthony Howell happens to be the target of assasin Clay. They met before starting their jobs and got along, with a slight mutual attraction thrown in. They have a interesting relationship of kill and protect. The tasks of both men was not easy since there were a lot of unknown unknowns. When they experienced clarity, their tasks got complicated!The courtship, as it were was definitely not conventional. The back and forth help up to Mr Alexander's usual binary discourse. There are several bumps, hills and dips to navigate. Who completes their mission? How do their intersections pan out? Good story. Characters were likeable and amazing. Life was exiting and changing up to the end. Well done! Very nice cover art!
August 5, 2020
Right out of the park with book 2 in the Heroes of Fortdale series.
An assassin and a bodyguard...after the same guy, end up falling for one another. Not the kind of humble beginnings to a love story you expect. Nevertheless...
Leave it to our latest characters to love, Clay and Elliott, to not make this chase boring. Once menacing turn after the other, Clay ends up in Elliott's apartment. How did that happen? One thing leads to another. End result, question everything. Things aren't always what they seem.
Soon after, Elliott finds himself in trouble. Clay absolutely has to save him.
In the midst of this action adventure, we learn significant details about their pasts which shape them into the outwardly tough men they've become.
Quick witted intelligence, laughs, surprise romance, protective of one another, steamy attraction, and in Romeo fashion, happily ever after to make you sigh with reader's joy.
**I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.**
An assassin and a bodyguard...after the same guy, end up falling for one another. Not the kind of humble beginnings to a love story you expect. Nevertheless...
Leave it to our latest characters to love, Clay and Elliott, to not make this chase boring. Once menacing turn after the other, Clay ends up in Elliott's apartment. How did that happen? One thing leads to another. End result, question everything. Things aren't always what they seem.
Soon after, Elliott finds himself in trouble. Clay absolutely has to save him.
In the midst of this action adventure, we learn significant details about their pasts which shape them into the outwardly tough men they've become.
Quick witted intelligence, laughs, surprise romance, protective of one another, steamy attraction, and in Romeo fashion, happily ever after to make you sigh with reader's joy.
**I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.**
August 6, 2020
💞❤💞 A great start as Clay craved a challenge nothing easy like his current body. This book has death scenes as the tittle suggests. Book 2 of the series by the author and it gets my attention just like book 1.
Fate was his handler on the agency he worked taking care not to get caught.
A great first meeting between Clay and Elliot without knowing who each where. Oh it seems Anthony was a popular guy who alot of people want him and not for the good reasons. Clay would get his challange it seems. lol Told with dual POVs via each chapter. Fight scenes where fantastic as they both knew how to. Laugh out loud moments are funny with Clay's antics.
The ending is flippn fantastic with drama and danger and a few explosions but thats all I'm saying. Highly recommended book. i cant wait for the next book.
Clay was an assassin and like jobs completed cleanly but he was picky who his jobs where.
Elliot 34 yrs was a bodyguard and very much Bi but currently single waiting for his next client job. A new bodyguard for Anthony would keep him busy.
Fate was his handler on the agency he worked taking care not to get caught.
A great first meeting between Clay and Elliot without knowing who each where. Oh it seems Anthony was a popular guy who alot of people want him and not for the good reasons. Clay would get his challange it seems. lol Told with dual POVs via each chapter. Fight scenes where fantastic as they both knew how to. Laugh out loud moments are funny with Clay's antics.
The ending is flippn fantastic with drama and danger and a few explosions but thats all I'm saying. Highly recommended book. i cant wait for the next book.
Clay was an assassin and like jobs completed cleanly but he was picky who his jobs where.
Elliot 34 yrs was a bodyguard and very much Bi but currently single waiting for his next client job. A new bodyguard for Anthony would keep him busy.
August 12, 2020
This is a fascinating and sweet story. When Clay and Elliott meet in a bar, there's an instant spark between them, but neither wants to do anything about it, so they go their separate ways. When next they meet, they are both shocked to discover that Elliott has been hired to protect the man Clay was hired to kill. Clay is a hired hitman who only takes cases where the men are monsters, Elliott is an ex-military man and a bodyguard. Clay doesn't give up easily, so he tries to get rid of Elliott, but it doesn't go as planned. And when Clay is set to kill the man Elliott asks him to wait until he gets more information. What he finds shocks and sickens him, but he still doesn't agree that the man has to be killed. They end up deciding to work together, which leads to them sleeping together. Clay feels like he's unworthy of anyone, but Elliott sees through the facade to the real Clay. Elliott is so sweet and kind, and Clay is tough but vulnerable. I loved both the storyline and the characters.
August 3, 2020
This was a switch from Mr. Alexander's usual characters. In this story Clay is an actual paid assassin but with a motivation unlike others in his trade. He eliminates those who traffic in drugs, kidnappings; all of them driven by the greed for amassing wealth. Elliot is an ex-marine operating a one-man protection agency, motivated to protect the innocent but not aware that his latest hire, Anthony Howell, besides running a philanthropic agency also dirties his hands in such an underhanded side job. On the surface These two nonchalantly meet one evening, aware of each other's interest but both go their separate ways due to job responsibilities. Thus, the tone is set for the reader to submerge themselves into a plot of well-developed characters, crisp dialogue, high strung emotions with angst and violence thrown in and spice that Mr. Alexander has a talent for expressing . I did get this ARC story through Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a totally volunteer review.
August 4, 2020
This book is absolutely fantastic! The story of Clay and Elliot, two men on different sides of a job. One hired to kill the other hired to protect. An attempt has been made on Anthony Howell's life, leading him to hire Elliot to protect him. Clay, on the other hand, has been hired by someone to kill him. Elliot thwarts all of Clay's attempts until one night, Clay finds himself caught in Elliot's apartment. The two have a conversation that will lead Elliot to question the job he has. Clay manages to give him information that will lead him to see his client for the evil he really is. Things will go south and Elliot is captured and Clay must come to rescue him. The two will escape and go on to find some happiness together, allowing Clay to not only get away from the Agency he works for, but to find someone who made a difference in his life many years ago.
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.
August 5, 2020
OUTSTANDING READ!!! 10/10 I WISH I COULD GIVE IT MORE STARS
WHERE TO START!!! THIS BOOK HAS EVERYTHING AND I REALLY DONT WANT TO GIVE ANY SPOILERS
CLAY IS AN ASSASSIN BUT AN ASSASSIN WHO KNOWS WHAT KINDA CASES HE TAKES. ONLY THE WORSE GROUP OF PEOPLE WHO DONT DESERVE TO LIVE AND BREATHE. BUT HIS LAST TARGET IS PROVING TO BE A PROBLEM BECAUSE OF ONE MAN HIS BODY GUARD ELLIOT. BUT THE BIGGEST PROBLEM WAS THE ATTRACTION BETWEEN CLAY AND ELLIOT. COULD THERE BE ANY FUTURE FOR THESE TWO MEN WHO WERE TRYING TO PROTECT AND KILL THE SAME MAN.
OMG I WAS AT THE EDGE OF MY SEAT, IT WAS SUPER ADDICTIVE AND COULDNT PUT IT DOWN. THEIR ATTRACTION AND PASSION MADE EVERY CHAPTER AN ABSOLUTE JOY TO READ. IM A SUPER FAN OF ROMEO ALEXANDER WORK AND THIS SEIRES IS EXCITNG ME. I CANT WAIT FOR NEXT BOOK!!!!! WOOOOHOOOOO A FANTASTIC READ
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
WHERE TO START!!! THIS BOOK HAS EVERYTHING AND I REALLY DONT WANT TO GIVE ANY SPOILERS
CLAY IS AN ASSASSIN BUT AN ASSASSIN WHO KNOWS WHAT KINDA CASES HE TAKES. ONLY THE WORSE GROUP OF PEOPLE WHO DONT DESERVE TO LIVE AND BREATHE. BUT HIS LAST TARGET IS PROVING TO BE A PROBLEM BECAUSE OF ONE MAN HIS BODY GUARD ELLIOT. BUT THE BIGGEST PROBLEM WAS THE ATTRACTION BETWEEN CLAY AND ELLIOT. COULD THERE BE ANY FUTURE FOR THESE TWO MEN WHO WERE TRYING TO PROTECT AND KILL THE SAME MAN.
OMG I WAS AT THE EDGE OF MY SEAT, IT WAS SUPER ADDICTIVE AND COULDNT PUT IT DOWN. THEIR ATTRACTION AND PASSION MADE EVERY CHAPTER AN ABSOLUTE JOY TO READ. IM A SUPER FAN OF ROMEO ALEXANDER WORK AND THIS SEIRES IS EXCITNG ME. I CANT WAIT FOR NEXT BOOK!!!!! WOOOOHOOOOO A FANTASTIC READ
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
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