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Phoenix, Inc. #1
No Boundaries
When your past closes in, running isn’t always an option
The jobs Marcus Lowry works for at Phoenix, Inc. Investigations are quick and easy, and they don’t give him the nightmares his days as a CIA operative did. That is, until he gets involved in a case that grabs him by the throat and won’t let go.
Cole Jacobs left behind his old life on the streets to make a name for himself rebuilding high-end and vintage cars and bikes. But when a stalker threatens to kill him—and to hurt anyone who stands in his way—his past closes in on him, and he’s not sure where to turn.
The last thing Marcus wants to do is take on a charity case, and to say that he and Cole don’t see eye to eye at first is putting things mildly. But when the first attempt on Cole’s life nearly kills them both, Marcus realizes that Cole is in real danger, and Cole is forced to reveal everything. Almost everything. Because Cole’s deepest secrets could destroy them both.
The jobs Marcus Lowry works for at Phoenix, Inc. Investigations are quick and easy, and they don’t give him the nightmares his days as a CIA operative did. That is, until he gets involved in a case that grabs him by the throat and won’t let go.
Cole Jacobs left behind his old life on the streets to make a name for himself rebuilding high-end and vintage cars and bikes. But when a stalker threatens to kill him—and to hurt anyone who stands in his way—his past closes in on him, and he’s not sure where to turn.
The last thing Marcus wants to do is take on a charity case, and to say that he and Cole don’t see eye to eye at first is putting things mildly. But when the first attempt on Cole’s life nearly kills them both, Marcus realizes that Cole is in real danger, and Cole is forced to reveal everything. Almost everything. Because Cole’s deepest secrets could destroy them both.
274 pages, Paperback
First published November 4, 2014
85 people are currently reading
842 people want to read
About the author
S.E. Jakes
38 books1,741 followersSE Jakes writes m/m romance. She believes in happy endings and fighting for what you want.
You can contact her the following ways:
You can email her at authorsejakes@gmail.com
You can post to her Facebook page: Facebook.com/SEJakes
You can Twitter her: Twitter.com/authorsejakes
You can post on her Goodreads Group: Ask SE Jakes
You can follow her on Tumblr: http://sejakes.tumblr.com
You can ask her a question as part of the Ask The Author program on Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/author/4595...
Truth be told, the best way to contact her is by email or in blog comments. She spends most of her time writing but she loves to hear from readers.
***
SE Jakes is the pen-name of New York Times Bestselling Author Stephanie Tyler (and half of Sydney Croft!)
You can contact her the following ways:
You can email her at authorsejakes@gmail.com
You can post to her Facebook page: Facebook.com/SEJakes
You can Twitter her: Twitter.com/authorsejakes
You can post on her Goodreads Group: Ask SE Jakes
You can follow her on Tumblr: http://sejakes.tumblr.com
You can ask her a question as part of the Ask The Author program on Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/author/4595...
Truth be told, the best way to contact her is by email or in blog comments. She spends most of her time writing but she loves to hear from readers.
***
SE Jakes is the pen-name of New York Times Bestselling Author Stephanie Tyler (and half of Sydney Croft!)
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 167 reviews
November 10, 2014
2.5 stars
Oh dear.
Ok, let's start with the positives. When I read a lot of het romance books, I loved suspense series with mercenaries or PI's...especially those written by Pamela Clare and Cindy Gerard. Throw in the sillier versions by Kristen Ashley and I couldn't be more predictable. I love these alpha male characters...it's my version of fairy tale princes. So sue me.
SE Jakes writes these guys exactly as I like 'em. Gruff, scarred, imperfect heroes who've done their time and now make money off their expertise...usually ex special forces (yum). There's pretty much nothing they can't do. Think the smarts of McGyver crossed with toughness of The Rock crossed with rugged sensitivity of Hugh Jackman crossed with the hottest looking guy you can think of. Those are her characters. And I eat that shit UP!
No Boundaries is true to SE Jakes' form. Now, I haven't read the Men of Honor series, but, as I started this book, I realized, yet again, that she was writing a spin off and kinda just jumped into the middle of a story (this happened to me as I read Dirty Deeds, a spin off of her Hell or High Water series, which I hadn't read...and thus was thoroughly confused). Calling this book 1 of the Phoenix, Inc series is fine. But, it seems you might enjoy this more if you knew who Law, Styx, and Paolo are. I didn't, and thus, though I liked them enough, there was too much of these people-I-should-know-but-don't in this book. I went back to read the blurbs of her backlist to uncover that yes, these guys were introduced in a different series.
Now, the main characters of the book, Marcus and Cole...I was really getting into their story. I was excited from the get go and rubbed my hands together thinking this was gonna be a goodie! BUT...*tire screeching*...
...the EDITING, or lack thereof, RUINED this book for me. I'm not talking about spelling or grammar errors. I'm not even talking about the dreaded mixing up of MC's names (though it happened once in this book). I'm talking about complete inconsistencies in the story. I'm talking about errors that were unbelievable and that made the story so disjointed that at points it was unreadable. I'm talking POV shifts from paragraph to paragraph (without any formatting "warnings" like a simple extra line space) that made it confusing as to who was talking or thinking at the time. And, sadly, I'm talking about simple research errors that had me scratching my head thinking "I don't think you can do that in real life". And it's disappointing because Samhain is usually really strong with edits and I'm confused as to how none of this stuff was dealt with and corrected.
And the mystery/suspense/whodunnit? Wrapped up so abruptly and so randomly, I was DISAPPOINTED! Oh the potential for this to be INTERESTING, but it felt like the answer was just a throwaway to get back to the romance...which itself became a throwaway.
And just to add one more complaint in: Marcus...my beloved alpha MC. By the end, I didn't even recognize him. His character was so hot and cold, admirable to stupid, kind to judgemental...and I don't think in a way that was developed, but rather just slapped together...that I didn't know WHAT to think about him in the end.
*sigh*
So, I'm torn. I liked the premise. I liked, somewhat, the characters. I may even go back and read the Men of Honor series. And I may read more books in this Phoenix, Inc series. But, I'm also really disgruntled and...frustrated...by the lack of care that seemed to eminate from the final product of this book. It coulda been SO good. And for that missed opportunity, I just can't rate it higher than 2.5 stars.
February 13, 2015
This review contains spoilers and disappointment. And gifs. Because they're fun.
Seriously, there's spoilers.
Last chance.
Okay, your choice.
This was 3-stars-I'm-liking-this territory, right up until near the end. If by the second last chapter (and the last chapter in which the MCs actually appear), one of the MCs still thinks that the other is a gold-digging whore, I can't call it 'romance'. And no, following that up with some BS declaration of love and a shitty marriage proposal doesn't make it okay. I'm not even sure whether I understood why Marcus and Cole stayed together. They're just two guys who happened to be forced together due to circumstances, decided that sex was a good way to kill time, and then just sort of stuck with it.
As my friend Kingsley likes to say:
But, on the other hand, something good came out of this book. And that was the secondary couple (or is it trouple?) - Law, Styx and Paulo. While I was indifferent to them at first, I ended up really liking them. Though I do think it should have been clarified in the blurb that this couple, from S.E. Jakes' Bound by Law, would be in the book, particularly since at least a quarter of the book, maybe more, was from on their perspectives. In either case, it was easy to follow along without reading their story beforehand, and I'm now looking forward to reading 'Bound by Law.'
At the very least, the three were a pleasant surprise.
If it wasn't for Law, Styx and Paulo, this would have been a 1 star read. There's just nothing that could redeem Marcus for me. I don't believe for a second that he could live with Cole, without always thinking in the back of his mind that Cole was out for his money. And that's aside from the pretty weak and all-over-the-place mystery aspect of the book.
Overall, this was disappointing, and made more so because I've yet to really enjoy anything by S.E. Jakes other than her Hell or High Water series.
Seriously, there's spoilers.
Last chance.
Okay, your choice.
This was 3-stars-I'm-liking-this territory, right up until near the end. If by the second last chapter (and the last chapter in which the MCs actually appear), one of the MCs still thinks that the other is a gold-digging whore, I can't call it 'romance'. And no, following that up with some BS declaration of love and a shitty marriage proposal doesn't make it okay. I'm not even sure whether I understood why Marcus and Cole stayed together. They're just two guys who happened to be forced together due to circumstances, decided that sex was a good way to kill time, and then just sort of stuck with it.
As my friend Kingsley likes to say:
But, on the other hand, something good came out of this book. And that was the secondary couple (or is it trouple?) - Law, Styx and Paulo. While I was indifferent to them at first, I ended up really liking them. Though I do think it should have been clarified in the blurb that this couple, from S.E. Jakes' Bound by Law, would be in the book, particularly since at least a quarter of the book, maybe more, was from on their perspectives. In either case, it was easy to follow along without reading their story beforehand, and I'm now looking forward to reading 'Bound by Law.'
At the very least, the three were a pleasant surprise.
If it wasn't for Law, Styx and Paulo, this would have been a 1 star read. There's just nothing that could redeem Marcus for me. I don't believe for a second that he could live with Cole, without always thinking in the back of his mind that Cole was out for his money. And that's aside from the pretty weak and all-over-the-place mystery aspect of the book.
Overall, this was disappointing, and made more so because I've yet to really enjoy anything by S.E. Jakes other than her Hell or High Water series.
November 8, 2014
Not my favorite of Ms. Jakes' but a solid start to a new series. Full review to follow.
November 4, 2014
4.5 Roarin' Hogs, Baby
Page 1: I already liked Cole. Bring. It. ON.
Page 5: I was back home, in SE Jakes-landia, with a certain P.I. making an appearance.
And then? Law. Yeah… Law. *contented sigh*
And then?? The beautiful, loving sexy trio returns, along with my unabashed happiness.
Jakes knows these characters so well and it shines through in their gestures and shorthand talk. I, as the reader, feel included instead of a voyeur, thanks to her style and treatment of these guys.
Enter Marcus, and Cole. Two men in need but unable, or unwilling, to deal with everything just yet. Cole, 23. Marcus, 34. Miles of suspicion to conquer lies between them before either one would or will consider the other. How do I know this? Their first meeting is full of it, along with caution and doubt. In other, words, electrified tension.
Tension coats everything. Dangerous tension. Mysterious tension. The pace and length of this story allow it to continually simmer and settle, sometimes exploding, only to land quietly yet determinedly once again.
Sexy. Hot. Intimate. Loving. That’s Law & Styx & Paolo. All. Day (AND NIGHT). Long.
There are some of Jakes’ telltale mini time jumps within some scenes, going from thought to action, which means a change in location. It only happens a few times and I simply re-read and moved along. (Yeah, like re-reading any of this would be considered a “chore”.)
Heart. This story is full of heart and tenderness, caring and gentleness. Jakes is unafraid to have her characters bare and share emotion, allowing me to truly feel what these guys are feeling. I have no immunity against this kind of storytelling. Marcus has a way, even early on, of helping Cole ease up and take a calming breath, even if Cole doesn’t show it right away. And Cole, his very nature includes the tools to break down some of that massive mistrust Marcus is carrying around.
Law. This man. His behavior is as an enigma but that’s not at all the case. I get him, I have from the very moment he first came onto the page back in Bound By Law (a note on that later). He’s one of my all-time favorite characters. Evah.
Styx. My maaaaaaaaaan! *hi5* He’s the one who, when no one else can, holds things together. He calls people on their bullshit, often with a smirk and then a hug. Actually…
Paolo. He’s a hugger. He’s open with his affection, and his intelligence. He can take being the focus of both Styx and Law, and they all relish in that.
Law & Styx & Paolo + Cole & Marcus = ??? You’ll have to read in order to find out. It may not be what you’re expecting. I love that it isn’t.
Jakes accomplishes something here by basically having five main characters and multiple points of view. Make no mistake, we’re in Alpha Central, but with these characters, their complex, huge hearts and a collective drive that can get them anywhere, do anything (when they’re not getting in their own ways), the level of emotion I experienced was maintained, not really wavering. All five of these guys have their turn at the POV steering wheel. I could feel the shift from one camera angle to another, the focus changing, picking up in the same moment we just left of one character’s view to another. Translation? More emotional impact in which to sink my teeth. Rawr.
The humor is here, Law getting some of the best lines. The insight these guys have into one another during certain moments is sort of, well, it’s very intimate and always propels the story forward. A discussion twixt Law and Cole, from Cole’s point of view:
Christ. He turned his back and glanced around. Heard a soft chuckle behind him. He asked “what” over his shoulder.
“I may be an asshole, but you trust me.”
“How’s that?”
“You turned your back on me.”
“Asshole,” Cole muttered.
A turning point.
About half way through, I looked back and realized how much story I’d gotten and yet there was still half the book to go. I grinned. And I wasn’t disappointed.
… and no one could ever be sure what another person’s personal shame might be.
The shame from memory, from the past. It can be all consuming in its power and attempts to stunt life, laying down tracks to stymie success, love… peace.
On the flip side, there’s nothing resembling shame in regards to desire, to sex, to wanting what you want and not feeling that shame in asking and then letting someone fulfill those desires for you… with you. Trust and freedom go hand in hand in this universe. To feel safe within that freedom and trust, that’s what we all want: the freedom to be ourselves and to feel safe in all of it.
The ending? *contented sigh*
This is definitely Cole and Marcus’ story. However, considering the wonderfully special bonus roles in Law, Styx and Paolo, you will encounter some extra appreciation of their deliciousness if you read Bound by Law and then this.
I cannot wait for MORE.
Page 1: I already liked Cole. Bring. It. ON.
Page 5: I was back home, in SE Jakes-landia, with a certain P.I. making an appearance.
And then? Law. Yeah… Law. *contented sigh*
And then?? The beautiful, loving sexy trio returns, along with my unabashed happiness.
Jakes knows these characters so well and it shines through in their gestures and shorthand talk. I, as the reader, feel included instead of a voyeur, thanks to her style and treatment of these guys.
Enter Marcus, and Cole. Two men in need but unable, or unwilling, to deal with everything just yet. Cole, 23. Marcus, 34. Miles of suspicion to conquer lies between them before either one would or will consider the other. How do I know this? Their first meeting is full of it, along with caution and doubt. In other, words, electrified tension.
Tension coats everything. Dangerous tension. Mysterious tension. The pace and length of this story allow it to continually simmer and settle, sometimes exploding, only to land quietly yet determinedly once again.
Sexy. Hot. Intimate. Loving. That’s Law & Styx & Paolo. All. Day (AND NIGHT). Long.
There are some of Jakes’ telltale mini time jumps within some scenes, going from thought to action, which means a change in location. It only happens a few times and I simply re-read and moved along. (Yeah, like re-reading any of this would be considered a “chore”.)
Heart. This story is full of heart and tenderness, caring and gentleness. Jakes is unafraid to have her characters bare and share emotion, allowing me to truly feel what these guys are feeling. I have no immunity against this kind of storytelling. Marcus has a way, even early on, of helping Cole ease up and take a calming breath, even if Cole doesn’t show it right away. And Cole, his very nature includes the tools to break down some of that massive mistrust Marcus is carrying around.
Law. This man. His behavior is as an enigma but that’s not at all the case. I get him, I have from the very moment he first came onto the page back in Bound By Law (a note on that later). He’s one of my all-time favorite characters. Evah.
Styx. My maaaaaaaaaan! *hi5* He’s the one who, when no one else can, holds things together. He calls people on their bullshit, often with a smirk and then a hug. Actually…
Paolo. He’s a hugger. He’s open with his affection, and his intelligence. He can take being the focus of both Styx and Law, and they all relish in that.
Law & Styx & Paolo + Cole & Marcus = ??? You’ll have to read in order to find out. It may not be what you’re expecting. I love that it isn’t.
Jakes accomplishes something here by basically having five main characters and multiple points of view. Make no mistake, we’re in Alpha Central, but with these characters, their complex, huge hearts and a collective drive that can get them anywhere, do anything (when they’re not getting in their own ways), the level of emotion I experienced was maintained, not really wavering. All five of these guys have their turn at the POV steering wheel. I could feel the shift from one camera angle to another, the focus changing, picking up in the same moment we just left of one character’s view to another. Translation? More emotional impact in which to sink my teeth. Rawr.
The humor is here, Law getting some of the best lines. The insight these guys have into one another during certain moments is sort of, well, it’s very intimate and always propels the story forward. A discussion twixt Law and Cole, from Cole’s point of view:
Christ. He turned his back and glanced around. Heard a soft chuckle behind him. He asked “what” over his shoulder.
“I may be an asshole, but you trust me.”
“How’s that?”
“You turned your back on me.”
“Asshole,” Cole muttered.
A turning point.
About half way through, I looked back and realized how much story I’d gotten and yet there was still half the book to go. I grinned. And I wasn’t disappointed.
… and no one could ever be sure what another person’s personal shame might be.
The shame from memory, from the past. It can be all consuming in its power and attempts to stunt life, laying down tracks to stymie success, love… peace.
On the flip side, there’s nothing resembling shame in regards to desire, to sex, to wanting what you want and not feeling that shame in asking and then letting someone fulfill those desires for you… with you. Trust and freedom go hand in hand in this universe. To feel safe within that freedom and trust, that’s what we all want: the freedom to be ourselves and to feel safe in all of it.
The ending? *contented sigh*
This is definitely Cole and Marcus’ story. However, considering the wonderfully special bonus roles in Law, Styx and Paolo, you will encounter some extra appreciation of their deliciousness if you read Bound by Law and then this.
I cannot wait for MORE.
November 4, 2014
~ ~ ~
Review up soon, but a solid 4 stars!
Review up soon, but a solid 4 stars!
November 7, 2014
I'm sure it's not a mystery to anyone that I really loved this book. I'm definitely a huge S.E Jakes fan and this book didn't disappoint.
I haven't read the Men of Honor series so I had no idea that characters from this book were from a previous series until my friend Sandi told me (buddy read with Sandi). Rest assured, this can definitely be read as a stand-alone because I wasn't lost at all by not having read the previous series. But I will be reading that series very soon because I really loved Styx, Law, and Paolo and I definitely want to read more about them.
The premise is that Cole is being stalked and he ends up being protected by Marcus. I thought the interaction between Marcus and Cole was great and they definitely had chemistry!
I'm really looking forward to the next one! Thanks to Sandi for reading with me! :)
I haven't read the Men of Honor series so I had no idea that characters from this book were from a previous series until my friend Sandi told me (buddy read with Sandi). Rest assured, this can definitely be read as a stand-alone because I wasn't lost at all by not having read the previous series. But I will be reading that series very soon because I really loved Styx, Law, and Paolo and I definitely want to read more about them.
The premise is that Cole is being stalked and he ends up being protected by Marcus. I thought the interaction between Marcus and Cole was great and they definitely had chemistry!
I'm really looking forward to the next one! Thanks to Sandi for reading with me! :)
April 25, 2016
I really wanted to love this book because Bound by Law (Men on Honor #2) was my favorite book in the series, and this spin-off was like a sequel.
But I was faced with similar issues I have had in most of the books I have read by SE Jakes: The character building was sub-par, her transitions are jarring (not fluid), and the storyline itself are generally weak. Things just happen and then I find myself in a new scene. Unfortunately, I tend to feel like that when reading this author. But there is such potential in the story and I keep reading because I feel like one day, we will get there. But we didn't get there in this book.
what I liked:
* More Paolo, Law and Styx and the hotness!
Oh yes! The author manages to nail the chemistry with this trio. This is a menage that works and works well. did I mention Paolo, Law and Styx had an anniversary? Plus, was Styx such a sweetie or what? His guys have really brought out his tender side.
* A Clint and Jace sighting (though brief), it was nice to see C&J are still together.
* I loved the community service that Law is involved with. That was a nice touch to the story.
what I didn't like:
* I found The MC's chemistry was lukewarm. I didn't buy Marcus and Cole's passion. I just didn't "feel" the connection.
* I also disconcerted by Law, the jackass, who suddenly morphed into Cole's fairy godmother.
* The bad guy---how he just appeared out of nowhere, outsmarted 2 ex-special ops guys and a detective time and time again didn't do wonders for my confidence in Phoenix inc. It was just too easy for the antagonist.
* And then the showdown with the bad guy...
seriously? I really was expecting fireworks, but got such an anti-climatic ending. It was just a build up to nothing. At the end, I felt unsatisfied--like I just engaged in really boring sex.
Will I read book 2? Probably.
**Special thanks to Netgalley for the reading copy
November 8, 2014
I have been waiting forever for this bad boy. OMG So freaking good. It was awesome to see Law, Styx, and Paolo again it's been way to long, what a kick ass new series. And Marcus and Cole holy hell they were HOT and after they made it thru all the BS just wow! Thanks to Cory for my BR
Want to read
November 6, 2014
July 19, 2023
More instalove in with the action
3.5*
Book two remains my favourite in the series but this was a definite improvement in terms of editing and head hopping.
There's the same instant attraction that turns into declarations of love within a few days.
This one had that compounded on by the ridiculous flare-ups and temper tantrums both men exhibited at times.
In spite of all that though, the very outrageous nature of the series is what makes it enjoyable.
Styx, Law and Paolo remain my faves but this wasn't bad at all, even if the stalker who'd been running rings round them was taken out easily at the end!
3.5*
Book two remains my favourite in the series but this was a definite improvement in terms of editing and head hopping.
There's the same instant attraction that turns into declarations of love within a few days.
This one had that compounded on by the ridiculous flare-ups and temper tantrums both men exhibited at times.
In spite of all that though, the very outrageous nature of the series is what makes it enjoyable.
Styx, Law and Paolo remain my faves but this wasn't bad at all, even if the stalker who'd been running rings round them was taken out easily at the end!
November 10, 2014
Woohoo!! A catch up with Styx, Law and Paolo, my hottie trio from the Men of Honour series sighs, featuring their new investigative business Phoenix Inc., (PI..get it??), an employee I haven't had the pleasure of meeting before...Marcus, and Cole, a hot, young mechanic who's having problems with a stalker. 4 stars from me.
The more we discover of Cole's background (let's just say he's not very forthcoming at the start), the more we understand why Law is taking a special interest in him. Marcus too, has secrets and problems of his own, and so we have two broken men working their way towards trusting each other and trying to stay alive when the stalker turns nasty, and to see how that pans out, I'd advise you to read the story.
**edit 10/11/14. Having had another quick re-read of this, I have to say that I agree that the editing wasn't up to the usual standard. As Samhain published, it's obviously their problem...which is a little unusual as their editing is usually nowhere near as bad as say MLR for example, but the fact remains that on this occasion, it was quite poor.
The more we discover of Cole's background (let's just say he's not very forthcoming at the start), the more we understand why Law is taking a special interest in him. Marcus too, has secrets and problems of his own, and so we have two broken men working their way towards trusting each other and trying to stay alive when the stalker turns nasty, and to see how that pans out, I'd advise you to read the story.
**edit 10/11/14. Having had another quick re-read of this, I have to say that I agree that the editing wasn't up to the usual standard. As Samhain published, it's obviously their problem...which is a little unusual as their editing is usually nowhere near as bad as say MLR for example, but the fact remains that on this occasion, it was quite poor.
November 15, 2014
* 1 star *
My reaction during reading this book:
So prepare for some ranting, because I haven't been this angry after reading a book in such a long time. Also, there may be some spoilers, so beware.
After reading "No Boundaries" I felt like the author and the publisher cheated on me. I LOVE S.E. Jakes' "Hell or High Water" series and I was waiting for something, maybe not similar, but also enjoyable. Unfortunately, I've received this monstrosity.
Here are my main problems with this book:
1. Language - English is not my native language, but even if I could spot so many various mistakes, I wonder how the editor has missed them. Sometimes I though that I was reading an essay written by the first-grader. There were lots of clumsy sentences, words that were used incorrectly and mixing up of MC's names.
2. Point of View - POV shifted from paragraph to paragraph and call me stupid, but I couldn't follow it. Often, I had to reread the whole page just to understand who was talking. All of characters sounded the same and it was irritating. Adding an extra space between paragraphs wouldn't take a lot of time.
3. Inconsistencies - we could read something on one page, then few pages later we were given completely different information about the same thing.
4. Main characters - I could write a whole essay about them, but I'll only say one thing - both Cole and Marcus were one dimensional without any depth. We were just given some contrary information about their behaviour. And in the end, I don't know what to think about them.
5. Mystery - really?
6. Sex scenes - they were mechanical and not hot at all, after reading the first one, I skipped the rest of them.
Probably, I could write more, but just thinking about this book makes me angry. Somehow, I can't believe that it was written by S. E. Jakes. Maybe it was a draft that needed some more polishing? But the publisher published it as a mistake? I really hope so, because now, I'm afraid to read the fourth instalment in HoH Water series.
Also, it would be great if we were informed earlier that "No Boundaries" is a spin-off of another series.
And one more thing, in the last part of the book, there was an excerpt from different story written by this author. And it was simply beautiful. All the more, it seems impossible that such a THING could be created by S. E. Jakes.
My reaction during reading this book:
So prepare for some ranting, because I haven't been this angry after reading a book in such a long time. Also, there may be some spoilers, so beware.
After reading "No Boundaries" I felt like the author and the publisher cheated on me. I LOVE S.E. Jakes' "Hell or High Water" series and I was waiting for something, maybe not similar, but also enjoyable. Unfortunately, I've received this monstrosity.
Here are my main problems with this book:
1. Language - English is not my native language, but even if I could spot so many various mistakes, I wonder how the editor has missed them. Sometimes I though that I was reading an essay written by the first-grader. There were lots of clumsy sentences, words that were used incorrectly and mixing up of MC's names.
2. Point of View - POV shifted from paragraph to paragraph and call me stupid, but I couldn't follow it. Often, I had to reread the whole page just to understand who was talking. All of characters sounded the same and it was irritating. Adding an extra space between paragraphs wouldn't take a lot of time.
3. Inconsistencies - we could read something on one page, then few pages later we were given completely different information about the same thing.
4. Main characters - I could write a whole essay about them, but I'll only say one thing - both Cole and Marcus were one dimensional without any depth. We were just given some contrary information about their behaviour. And in the end, I don't know what to think about them.
5. Mystery - really?
6. Sex scenes - they were mechanical and not hot at all, after reading the first one, I skipped the rest of them.
Probably, I could write more, but just thinking about this book makes me angry. Somehow, I can't believe that it was written by S. E. Jakes. Maybe it was a draft that needed some more polishing? But the publisher published it as a mistake? I really hope so, because now, I'm afraid to read the fourth instalment in HoH Water series.
Also, it would be great if we were informed earlier that "No Boundaries" is a spin-off of another series.
And one more thing, in the last part of the book, there was an excerpt from different story written by this author. And it was simply beautiful. All the more, it seems impossible that such a THING could be created by S. E. Jakes.
October 26, 2014
I went into this book knowing that it was a spinoff from the Men Of Honor series and featured fan favourites Paulo/Law/Styx. My main wish was that it live up to their incredible book. Did it ever!!
Paulo/Law/Styx have set up a PI firm called Phoenix Inc. to use their life and work skills to try to continue to do good work. One of their employees is former CIA agent Marcus Lowry. Marcus is badass but has a very big chip on his shoulder, as well as the ghosts from his former life.
When Styx meets Cole Jacobs he recognizes himself in him and develops a soft spot for the young skittish mechanic. When he discovers that Cole just may be in trouble, he puts Marcus on the job.
Sparks fly between Marcus and Cole when they first meet...not the good kind! Marcus doubts Cole's story and Cole has no use for someone who doubts him. When it becomes apparent that Cole is indeed in danger, Marcus must change his thinking and his attitude. Can someone who is instinctively distrustful and someone who has a past to hide find balance?
This story is smooth as silk, it grabs you and won't let go. SE Jakes once again introduces us to characters that are fascinating and make you want more...while giving us some wonderful moments with characters that we already know and love. This series is going to be another automatic favourite and must read. 5 big stars!
Paulo/Law/Styx have set up a PI firm called Phoenix Inc. to use their life and work skills to try to continue to do good work. One of their employees is former CIA agent Marcus Lowry. Marcus is badass but has a very big chip on his shoulder, as well as the ghosts from his former life.
When Styx meets Cole Jacobs he recognizes himself in him and develops a soft spot for the young skittish mechanic. When he discovers that Cole just may be in trouble, he puts Marcus on the job.
Sparks fly between Marcus and Cole when they first meet...not the good kind! Marcus doubts Cole's story and Cole has no use for someone who doubts him. When it becomes apparent that Cole is indeed in danger, Marcus must change his thinking and his attitude. Can someone who is instinctively distrustful and someone who has a past to hide find balance?
This story is smooth as silk, it grabs you and won't let go. SE Jakes once again introduces us to characters that are fascinating and make you want more...while giving us some wonderful moments with characters that we already know and love. This series is going to be another automatic favourite and must read. 5 big stars!
July 14, 2015
Way too many POVs.
I think there's five separate ones in chapter headings alone, and then for fun there's jumping between characters' minds inside the chapters. So structurally problematic. Strip away that issue and your left with a slew of damaged men and the ex-rent boy meets ex-Special Ops set up. I have no difficulty believing either of those two professions are going to mentally screw you over, but the story was all "I can't trust you" and "let's fuck our problems away" or at least ignore them until the next scene.
The main characters were likable, but there was also the commandeering of the story by a trio of men from another book. And to be honest, I'm not a fan of multiple ongoing relationships in romance; pay attention to one set and tell me their story.
Overall, hot guys, cliche feelings, and sex.
I think there's five separate ones in chapter headings alone, and then for fun there's jumping between characters' minds inside the chapters. So structurally problematic. Strip away that issue and your left with a slew of damaged men and the ex-rent boy meets ex-Special Ops set up. I have no difficulty believing either of those two professions are going to mentally screw you over, but the story was all "I can't trust you" and "let's fuck our problems away" or at least ignore them until the next scene.
The main characters were likable, but there was also the commandeering of the story by a trio of men from another book. And to be honest, I'm not a fan of multiple ongoing relationships in romance; pay attention to one set and tell me their story.
Overall, hot guys, cliche feelings, and sex.
March 15, 2015
I loved the parts that included Styx, Law, and Paulo. I really enjoyed seeing that they are still together and strong. I wasn't fully invested in the new relationship between Cole and Marcus. They never made sense to me. Marcus came off as a judgmental prick and didn't fully redeem himself in my eyes. That colored how I felt about the entire situation. I will continue the series if for no other reason than Styx, Law, and Paulo.
December 29, 2014
It was ok. I really liked Cole, but Marcus (his supposed love-interest) is a straight up dick. And as for the rest of the guys, I'm truly not a big fan of ménage so I ended up skipping quite a bit of the book that dealt with the three of them. So I'm probably a bit biased. Other people who enjoy m/m/m may like this story very much.
July 11, 2025
Cole dejo atrás su pasado, ahora trabaja como mecánico de carros y motocicletas "vintage" en un taller. Pero parece que su pasado no lo ha dejado a él. Cuando comienza a recibir notas "amenazadoras", se siente aterrado. Así que cuando Styx le ofrece la ayuda de su Agencia de Investigación, la acepta encantado. Lo que no espera es que el hombre que ponen en su caso sea el mas insufrible y guapo que haya conocido en mucho tiempo, y que además logre "despertarlo" de una forma que jamás había sentido. Sin embargo, la atracción entre ellos comienza a ser muy grande, y no sabe si vale la pena solo aceptarla. Será capaz Cole de tener una relación con él aunque conozca su pasado? Serán capaces de ser mantener la relación aún después que desaparezca la amenaza?
Durante la primera parte de la historia me gusto mucho como iba desarrollándose el misterio, como poco a poco iban quitando capa por capa hasta llegar a quien podría ser el sospechoso. El problema fue la segunda mitad, porque parecía que el autor quería alargar mas el libro de lo que debería y cambió la lógica del "acosador", y después de ser "capturado", retomo la relación entre la pareja de manera tan forzada que perdió toda la química que hubo al comienzo. Y si a eso le agregamos que también nos mostraban como se desarrollaba la relación del trio (que lo sentí como un relleno de la trama), el libro perdió todo lo entretenido después del 60%, y solo continué leyendo por terminarlo.
En fin, el autor tiene buenas series, y seguro buscaré otras de él mas adelante, pero no voy a continuar con esta por ahora.
Durante la primera parte de la historia me gusto mucho como iba desarrollándose el misterio, como poco a poco iban quitando capa por capa hasta llegar a quien podría ser el sospechoso. El problema fue la segunda mitad, porque parecía que el autor quería alargar mas el libro de lo que debería y cambió la lógica del "acosador", y después de ser "capturado", retomo la relación entre la pareja de manera tan forzada que perdió toda la química que hubo al comienzo. Y si a eso le agregamos que también nos mostraban como se desarrollaba la relación del trio (que lo sentí como un relleno de la trama), el libro perdió todo lo entretenido después del 60%, y solo continué leyendo por terminarlo.
En fin, el autor tiene buenas series, y seguro buscaré otras de él mas adelante, pero no voy a continuar con esta por ahora.
November 4, 2014
My Review:
A- rating
A new series by SE Jakes? I couldn't push the yes button fast enough to accept this book for review. It's no secret that I adore her writing and her sexy, alpha men. And this book did not disappoint. In fact, it was even better because I didn't realize that it was a spin-off series from the Men of Honor books.
This book is about Cole and Marcus. Cole is a mechanic at the shop where Law, Styx, and Paolo all get their vehicles and motorcycles worked on. Styx is there when Cole gets a threatening letter from his stalker and recognizes that something is going on with him. They've all seen that lost boy side of Cole although he tries to hide it and as a result, want to help him. They put their employee, Marcus, on the case to see if the threat is genuine.
As with all of SE Jakes characters, both these guys have not so great romantic and real-life pasts. Cole is definitely the most haunted of the two having grown up with an abusive father and becoming a whore at 16, when he was a virgin. He lived that life for seven years before he found a way out. But nothing has been normal for him and honestly, he never expects to have normal. He watches the triad of Law, Styx, and Paolo with envy just because he knows he will never be able to have those kind of deep feelings between him and another guy. He just physically can't anymore. His body works biologically, but the mental aspect of attraction just isn't there...until Marcus.
Marcus has his own issues and I'll admit that they ticked me off because he just needed to get over himself at a certain point. (It helps to have the perspective as the reader where you KNOW what everyone is thinking...an advantage the characters do not have.)
On some level, both these guys are broken. That isn't easily overcome despite the incredible chemistry and sex they have between them. They are quickly put into an intense, high-stress situation which throws them into a relationship quicker than what would have happened normally, especially with both their issues. I liked that Cole recognized that. He's so mature for a 23 yo and I thought that aspect of his personality was really well done. With his background, he had to grow up incredibly fast. While Marcus has the jaded personality of a 34 yo, I honestly think that Cole was the more mature of the two and that dichotomy eventually worked out really well in the story.
And I haven't even talked about the suspense story line either which was pretty good too. This stalker is vicious and he's smart. I liked that he actually seemed to have this edge on the Phoenix guys...something that doesn't happen often with these highly trained alphas. It created a bit more of a realistic edge to the story that the guys weren't infallible and made it just that much better.
It was definitely a good start to the series and I'm ready for more to come...
Note: I read the first book in the Men of Honor many moons ago and loved it, but could never find the time to read the rest of the series. With this book and the introduction to Law and his triad, I've vowed to go back and read that series in its entirety during the month of December (including a re-read of book #1).
I received a complimentary copy of this book in return for an honest review.
A- rating
A new series by SE Jakes? I couldn't push the yes button fast enough to accept this book for review. It's no secret that I adore her writing and her sexy, alpha men. And this book did not disappoint. In fact, it was even better because I didn't realize that it was a spin-off series from the Men of Honor books.
This book is about Cole and Marcus. Cole is a mechanic at the shop where Law, Styx, and Paolo all get their vehicles and motorcycles worked on. Styx is there when Cole gets a threatening letter from his stalker and recognizes that something is going on with him. They've all seen that lost boy side of Cole although he tries to hide it and as a result, want to help him. They put their employee, Marcus, on the case to see if the threat is genuine.
As with all of SE Jakes characters, both these guys have not so great romantic and real-life pasts. Cole is definitely the most haunted of the two having grown up with an abusive father and becoming a whore at 16, when he was a virgin. He lived that life for seven years before he found a way out. But nothing has been normal for him and honestly, he never expects to have normal. He watches the triad of Law, Styx, and Paolo with envy just because he knows he will never be able to have those kind of deep feelings between him and another guy. He just physically can't anymore. His body works biologically, but the mental aspect of attraction just isn't there...until Marcus.
Marcus has his own issues and I'll admit that they ticked me off because he just needed to get over himself at a certain point. (It helps to have the perspective as the reader where you KNOW what everyone is thinking...an advantage the characters do not have.)
On some level, both these guys are broken. That isn't easily overcome despite the incredible chemistry and sex they have between them. They are quickly put into an intense, high-stress situation which throws them into a relationship quicker than what would have happened normally, especially with both their issues. I liked that Cole recognized that. He's so mature for a 23 yo and I thought that aspect of his personality was really well done. With his background, he had to grow up incredibly fast. While Marcus has the jaded personality of a 34 yo, I honestly think that Cole was the more mature of the two and that dichotomy eventually worked out really well in the story.
And I haven't even talked about the suspense story line either which was pretty good too. This stalker is vicious and he's smart. I liked that he actually seemed to have this edge on the Phoenix guys...something that doesn't happen often with these highly trained alphas. It created a bit more of a realistic edge to the story that the guys weren't infallible and made it just that much better.
It was definitely a good start to the series and I'm ready for more to come...
Note: I read the first book in the Men of Honor many moons ago and loved it, but could never find the time to read the rest of the series. With this book and the introduction to Law and his triad, I've vowed to go back and read that series in its entirety during the month of December (including a re-read of book #1).
I received a complimentary copy of this book in return for an honest review.
September 28, 2014
A mechanic getting threatening letters and hidden traumas of the past: Cole is scared, unsure, and untrusting the motives of others. Taking the help from Phoenix inc. should be okay. Only,it’s not. The guy sent to help him seems adamant to prove that he is nothing but a fake and this is all just a ruse.
What happens next is a tension filled ride into the past and an awakening for would-be protector Marcus. He doesn’t want to feel a connection. He doesn’t want to believe, but when he finds explosives meant for him, he has nothing left to do than provide safety and find answers for Cole. A bond built from adrenaline and fear may not be lasting, but are they willing to try? Oh, yeah they are.
I liked these two together, but I gotta say I wish I knew going into this read that this was a new series based on a previous book. I felt lost at times, the trio from Phoenix Inc. were so propionate in the book that it felt more of a 50-50 split between this couple/trio.
It’s a good thing for a fan of the previous book, but confusing for the new reader.
All in all a solid 3 star read for me. I liked it :)
T~
*ARC provided by Samhain Publishing
www.ktbookreviews.com
What happens next is a tension filled ride into the past and an awakening for would-be protector Marcus. He doesn’t want to feel a connection. He doesn’t want to believe, but when he finds explosives meant for him, he has nothing left to do than provide safety and find answers for Cole. A bond built from adrenaline and fear may not be lasting, but are they willing to try? Oh, yeah they are.
I liked these two together, but I gotta say I wish I knew going into this read that this was a new series based on a previous book. I felt lost at times, the trio from Phoenix Inc. were so propionate in the book that it felt more of a 50-50 split between this couple/trio.
It’s a good thing for a fan of the previous book, but confusing for the new reader.
All in all a solid 3 star read for me. I liked it :)
T~
*ARC provided by Samhain Publishing
www.ktbookreviews.com
January 30, 2015
Unfortunately, this did not work for me at all. There was a lot of potential, but its's so full of problems that in the end, I didn't enjoy myself. Susan's review really speaks to all the issues I had while reading this. She says it better than I can.
And really, I'm so bummed.
And really, I'm so bummed.
November 2, 2014
4.5 star review by The Blogger Girls.
What a pleasant surprise it was to see that Styx, Law and Paulo are back! They are the men behind Phoenix, Inc. I enjoyed their story in the Men of Honor series and had not realized this was a spin off of that. They’re still having some issues, but not where their relationship is concerned, which was really nice to see. I enjoyed seeing how they are getting along.
Styx comes across Cole, a guy trying to make a new life for himself. When he notices Cole is having issues with a stalker, he offers his (and Phoenix, Inc.’s) services to help. Marcus, a former CIA operative, is an employee at Phoenix, Inc. and is a man with a few issues of his own. Styx sees it as the perfect opportunity to help out Marcus and puts him on the case.
Marcus and Cole basically go into hiding after it appears the stalker believes the two are more connected relationship-wise. They butt heads a bit, but slowly, they begin to trust one another, for a while at least. Secrets come out that get in the way of their budding relationship, tensions are high, and the action heats up.
Poor Cole is frightened, feeling bad about accepting the help of the others and essentially putting them in danger. He is unable to pay them which doesn’t help his guilt issues. The Phoenix guys, with the exception of Styx, are all a bit wary of Cole and his intentions. Law is dealing with his own memories and issues as his background is somewhat similar to Cole’s. But his guys are by his side the whole time to help him through.
The story bounces around perspective-wise, so we get the thoughts of the various guys as things progress. Again, it was a really nice mix of the established threesome and the new couple. I’m excited to see where this series will go next and look forward to seeing even more of them all.
It always feels like a breath of fresh air when I pick up a new Jakes book, and this one was no different. Everything I come to expect is present here, from the solid characters, to the steamy scenes, and everything in between. This was a great start to a promising new series.
November 6, 2014
So what is better than having three of my favorite S.E.Jakes characters in one book. nothing except adding two more to it make a fivesome!
Phoenix Inc, is a private investigation company run by Law, Styx, and Pablo. They have recruited Marcus to add extra help. For the three life is good. They are together which is the most essential part of their lives. Marcus has some demons to exercise, which Law decides to help a long by putting him in charge of a stalking case. Cole, the young mechanic that services the Phoenix vehicles, finds a threatening note on his work bench. This sets in motion a series of events that have their roots in Cole's hidden past. Marcus takes on the role of PI and bodyguard to Cole. It's love at first hate for Marcus and Cole. When it becomes clear that Cole's life is being threatened, along with the members of Phoenix, Marcus has to put aside his animosity towards Cole. Their blossoming love is threatened by secrets neither wants to reveal.
I had a hard time putting this down! I love how easy it is to be caught up in the stories that this author writes. She spins a reader around, with just the right twists to keep this reader from never wanting the story to end. Basically all my reviews are love letters to her work. Glad I live in the world she writes in.
Phoenix Inc, is a private investigation company run by Law, Styx, and Pablo. They have recruited Marcus to add extra help. For the three life is good. They are together which is the most essential part of their lives. Marcus has some demons to exercise, which Law decides to help a long by putting him in charge of a stalking case. Cole, the young mechanic that services the Phoenix vehicles, finds a threatening note on his work bench. This sets in motion a series of events that have their roots in Cole's hidden past. Marcus takes on the role of PI and bodyguard to Cole. It's love at first hate for Marcus and Cole. When it becomes clear that Cole's life is being threatened, along with the members of Phoenix, Marcus has to put aside his animosity towards Cole. Their blossoming love is threatened by secrets neither wants to reveal.
I had a hard time putting this down! I love how easy it is to be caught up in the stories that this author writes. She spins a reader around, with just the right twists to keep this reader from never wanting the story to end. Basically all my reviews are love letters to her work. Glad I live in the world she writes in.
August 24, 2015
I have to say that I am shocked that this story was written by the same author who created my beloved characters Prophet and Tommy...
Whilst I did enjoy some aspects of this book, sadly there were more negatives than positives.
* The pov jumps were very confusing. Sometimes we would skip to someone else and we weren't even told. So I'd read a few paragraphs and then realise that we were in someone else's point of view. I struggled to keep up...
* What happened to the sex? I know this author can write incredible, intense sex, but we sadly didn't get to see any of that here. One minute they are kissing...jump... Markus is inside Cole... jump... It's all over.
What the hell?
* This is a perfect example of when a short story doesn't give enough depth to it's characters, resulting in me not really feeling their supposed connection.
* The stalker situation ended so abruptly that it was a complete let down for me. And worse than that, I couldn't even establish who had shot the gun. The writing was so all over the place, it didn't make sense.
Overall, I liked this as a quick read but there were a lot of issues...
Whilst I did enjoy some aspects of this book, sadly there were more negatives than positives.
* The pov jumps were very confusing. Sometimes we would skip to someone else and we weren't even told. So I'd read a few paragraphs and then realise that we were in someone else's point of view. I struggled to keep up...
* What happened to the sex? I know this author can write incredible, intense sex, but we sadly didn't get to see any of that here. One minute they are kissing...jump... Markus is inside Cole... jump... It's all over.
What the hell?
* This is a perfect example of when a short story doesn't give enough depth to it's characters, resulting in me not really feeling their supposed connection.
* The stalker situation ended so abruptly that it was a complete let down for me. And worse than that, I couldn't even establish who had shot the gun. The writing was so all over the place, it didn't make sense.
Overall, I liked this as a quick read but there were a lot of issues...
November 7, 2014
Although this can definitely be read as its own series, I definitely think it would have helped me connect more if I had read the "Men of Honor" series, especially since this story is told in part from Law, Paulo, and Styx's POV. (I just didn't understand the dynamic of their relationship nor the individual personality quirks which wasn't necessary to understanding the story, but frustrating as a reader.) There were a TON of POV changes as the story was told from at least 5 different perspectives. This was a story I should absolutely love...hot, protective military types, someone in distress with a back story, and a polyamorous relationship on the side. In the end though, I found it very enjoyable, but not what I had hoped.
Want to read
December 16, 2014This comes out two days before my birthday. Can anyone say "birthday present to self"? Oh yeah. It's going to happen.
November 5, 2014
Ughh...I could not get into this book at all, and I'm a huge SE Jake's fan. I didn't like the writing, the plot or the characters. I made it 1/2 way then skipped to 90% to read the ending. Blergh.
November 6, 2014
Fat 4 stars !
review soon :)
November 21, 2014
I've enjoyed other books by this author so I was eager to grab up a book in a new series particularly since it was a romantic suspense. I enjoyed the book for both the romance (if one can call beating up your romance partner with boxing gloves foreplay and courting) and the suspense (stalker with black ops training, exciting stuff). The two characters both have their issues and yeah buddy these issues crop up frequently and set things back in the relationship, but they bumble and grumble their way through it with the help of friends to keep them from destroying their own happiness.
However, that being said, I'm going to grumble for a bit so skip this if you're not in the mood. I felt somewhat like I was jumping into a series mid-stride because this one is strongly connected with a threesome from a different series. I wish that there had been fair warning so I would have expected the tight connection. The blurb never mentions the returning characters or connection to their book. When I say strongly connected, I mean that the threesome of Styx, Law and Paolo received almost fifty percent of the page time. Unfortunately for me, I hadn't read this threesome's story or any of the books from the other series. I was given enough bits from their pasts to get up to speed eventually so I wasn't hopelessly lost, but I was a tad disconcerted and disappointed. If I had know about this being a follow-up sequel of sorts, I would have set this one aside and read the other book first so I could get everything in order and appreciate this one better.
Moving along to the summary, the story opens with shop mechanic, Cole Jacobs, getting a chilling note from a stalker that brings the sordid past he escaped from into his new fresh start. His first inclination is to run and start over somewhere else, but his friend Styx who runs a PI business was there when he got the note and Styx insists on helping him. The help comes in the form of a belligerent man who doesn't believe for a minute that Cole is in danger from a stalker. Too bad Cole's body doesn't get the memo with his strong attraction to Marcus with the chip on his shoulder. Cole is good at reading men and shrewdly guesses that somewhere in Marcus' past someone like Cole burned him badly. Unfortunately, the stalker ups the ante and Cole has to rely on Marcus and the other guys from Phoenix Inc to protect him.
Marcus Lowry got out of the CIA before it finished sucking his soul dry to take up a job at a private investigation firm run by ex-military and ex-CIA types like him. His latest assignment leaves him upset and on edge. Cole reminds him of the guy from his past that lied to him and used him just to get at Marcus' money. It takes a bomb that could have taken Cole's life to make him realize that he read the current situation all wrong letting his past color the present. Cole is vulnerable and Marcus has a job to do, but the sexual tension between them distracts Marcus. He finally decides to take a chance and do something about it only to be hit later with proof that Cole may be exactly the type that Marcus thought he was.
The story moved along rapidly both with the encounters with the formidable and skilled stalker to the hot passion and angst between Marcus and Cole. They both have their reasons for the mistrust and snarly behavior, but I confess to a few instances just wanting to just smack both of them up side the heads to see reason and really pay attention to each other and not just their own issues. The three other Phoenix men- Styx, Law and Paolo- are a bit like the intermediaries to these two guys keeping them from doing irreparable harm to each other and the relationship which was sweet and amusing in ways. My heart went out to what all of these guys had experienced in their pasts to make them who and what they were. The time between Marcus and Cole spent at Marcus' beach house as they felt their way closer to each other was the best part of the story for me. I loved how Marcus helped Cole begin to heal even if his wounds were very deep and would be an ongoing process. Marcus was up for the the process and just had to convince Cole even while fighting off his own demons.
I admit that while I enjoyed having the threesome and their hot and heavy bedroom antics in the story, I felt they overshadowed poor Marcus and Cole almost cheating them out of a better story of their own. For fans of the threesome, I have no doubt that was a treat to have them get such a huge chunk of page time- I mean, I loved them just from what I saw too, but in terms of this being a new story with new lead characters, these characters' story was somewhat abbreviated and rushed. Personally, I think smashing the two romance groups together might have done them both a bit of disservice and they would have benefited from separate stories. All that stuff at the end from the big finale with the stalker and all that stuff from Marcus' past just whizzed by leaving me holding a few strings that I wanted tied up a bit better. I wanted more development time for both Marcus and Cole, but particularly Marcus where most of the book there are just hints until the final scene which was fairly brief.
So while I really enjoyed and appreciated much of this story, I also was left somewhat wanting too. By no means am I saying this was a disappointing story as I am totally on board with continuing the series and reaching for many other stories from the author's backlist. This book is for those who enjoy kinky hot m/m/m and steamy hot m/m romance and black ops- style suspense.
My thanks to Net Galley for the opportunity to read this book in exchange for an honest review.
However, that being said, I'm going to grumble for a bit so skip this if you're not in the mood. I felt somewhat like I was jumping into a series mid-stride because this one is strongly connected with a threesome from a different series. I wish that there had been fair warning so I would have expected the tight connection. The blurb never mentions the returning characters or connection to their book. When I say strongly connected, I mean that the threesome of Styx, Law and Paolo received almost fifty percent of the page time. Unfortunately for me, I hadn't read this threesome's story or any of the books from the other series. I was given enough bits from their pasts to get up to speed eventually so I wasn't hopelessly lost, but I was a tad disconcerted and disappointed. If I had know about this being a follow-up sequel of sorts, I would have set this one aside and read the other book first so I could get everything in order and appreciate this one better.
Moving along to the summary, the story opens with shop mechanic, Cole Jacobs, getting a chilling note from a stalker that brings the sordid past he escaped from into his new fresh start. His first inclination is to run and start over somewhere else, but his friend Styx who runs a PI business was there when he got the note and Styx insists on helping him. The help comes in the form of a belligerent man who doesn't believe for a minute that Cole is in danger from a stalker. Too bad Cole's body doesn't get the memo with his strong attraction to Marcus with the chip on his shoulder. Cole is good at reading men and shrewdly guesses that somewhere in Marcus' past someone like Cole burned him badly. Unfortunately, the stalker ups the ante and Cole has to rely on Marcus and the other guys from Phoenix Inc to protect him.
Marcus Lowry got out of the CIA before it finished sucking his soul dry to take up a job at a private investigation firm run by ex-military and ex-CIA types like him. His latest assignment leaves him upset and on edge. Cole reminds him of the guy from his past that lied to him and used him just to get at Marcus' money. It takes a bomb that could have taken Cole's life to make him realize that he read the current situation all wrong letting his past color the present. Cole is vulnerable and Marcus has a job to do, but the sexual tension between them distracts Marcus. He finally decides to take a chance and do something about it only to be hit later with proof that Cole may be exactly the type that Marcus thought he was.
The story moved along rapidly both with the encounters with the formidable and skilled stalker to the hot passion and angst between Marcus and Cole. They both have their reasons for the mistrust and snarly behavior, but I confess to a few instances just wanting to just smack both of them up side the heads to see reason and really pay attention to each other and not just their own issues. The three other Phoenix men- Styx, Law and Paolo- are a bit like the intermediaries to these two guys keeping them from doing irreparable harm to each other and the relationship which was sweet and amusing in ways. My heart went out to what all of these guys had experienced in their pasts to make them who and what they were. The time between Marcus and Cole spent at Marcus' beach house as they felt their way closer to each other was the best part of the story for me. I loved how Marcus helped Cole begin to heal even if his wounds were very deep and would be an ongoing process. Marcus was up for the the process and just had to convince Cole even while fighting off his own demons.
I admit that while I enjoyed having the threesome and their hot and heavy bedroom antics in the story, I felt they overshadowed poor Marcus and Cole almost cheating them out of a better story of their own. For fans of the threesome, I have no doubt that was a treat to have them get such a huge chunk of page time- I mean, I loved them just from what I saw too, but in terms of this being a new story with new lead characters, these characters' story was somewhat abbreviated and rushed. Personally, I think smashing the two romance groups together might have done them both a bit of disservice and they would have benefited from separate stories. All that stuff at the end from the big finale with the stalker and all that stuff from Marcus' past just whizzed by leaving me holding a few strings that I wanted tied up a bit better. I wanted more development time for both Marcus and Cole, but particularly Marcus where most of the book there are just hints until the final scene which was fairly brief.
So while I really enjoyed and appreciated much of this story, I also was left somewhat wanting too. By no means am I saying this was a disappointing story as I am totally on board with continuing the series and reaching for many other stories from the author's backlist. This book is for those who enjoy kinky hot m/m/m and steamy hot m/m romance and black ops- style suspense.
My thanks to Net Galley for the opportunity to read this book in exchange for an honest review.
September 30, 2023
DNF @ 21%. Not feeling this one. A bit OTT.
November 4, 2014
There is nothing, and I mean nothing, that gets my blood pumping harder than starting book one of a brand-new series by an author I like. 'No Boundaries' is the first installment in SE Jakes's series 'Phoenix Inc.', and I was so excited to read it. Now, what's inevitable in an introduction to a new series, is all the new names and backgrounds, which kind of get dumped on the reader. Although, for those readers familiar with this author's 'Men of Honor' series, some of these names will be familiar, and if you're not, then you might be a little confused, as the author seems to have taken the assumption that you've already read about Styx, Law, and Paolo.
Cole is twenty-three, a genius mechanic on vintage and classic cars and motorcycles, and holding a lot of secrets close to his vest. Luckily for him, three of his clients, Styx, Law, and Paolo, own Phoenix Inc., a private investigations company that employs, almost exclusively, ex-CIA and ex-military guys. Phoenix takes these practically burnt out guys and puts them to work, using their skills, in situations, though, where these men can finally win, and come out on top. Styx happens to be at the garage and witnesses Cole's reaction to a threatening note he was left. So Styx, in his infinite wisdom, assigns Marcus to look into Cole's stalker problem. Marcus is thirty-four, battle scarred, ex-CIA, and very good at his job. Unfortunately, Cole and Marcus set off a whole lot of emotional electricity and veritable storms around each other, and not all of it's good.
"Cole nodded as Marcus got closer. Marcus’s eyes narrowed slightly. He didn’t like that Cole had spotted him before Marcus had spotted Cole. But he didn’t know that Cole had radar for men who moved like predators."
My heart went out to Cole, especially after hearing his story. He's an amazing young man, and I fell for him very easily. Marcus is a tough, cynical, man who spent way too many years being involved with users. He doesn't trust easily, or at all. In some ways, Marcus and Cole were very similar in their outlooks toward their fellow man. Hands down, they're incredibly sexy and hot together. Whether they're arguing, boxing, or hitting the sheets, these two can steam up the room.
Overall, I liked this story. However, in my opinion, the story didn't flow, and instead, it jumped back and forth, which was very confusing at times. The plot was good, and I would've loved to have seen it developed more. I adored Cole and I liked Marcus, and I would've enjoyed more background on each of them. But if you're a true fan of this author, and you've liked her other works, then this will definitely be a book for you.
NOTE: This book was provided by Samhain Publishing for the purpose of a review on Rainbow Book Reviews.
Cole is twenty-three, a genius mechanic on vintage and classic cars and motorcycles, and holding a lot of secrets close to his vest. Luckily for him, three of his clients, Styx, Law, and Paolo, own Phoenix Inc., a private investigations company that employs, almost exclusively, ex-CIA and ex-military guys. Phoenix takes these practically burnt out guys and puts them to work, using their skills, in situations, though, where these men can finally win, and come out on top. Styx happens to be at the garage and witnesses Cole's reaction to a threatening note he was left. So Styx, in his infinite wisdom, assigns Marcus to look into Cole's stalker problem. Marcus is thirty-four, battle scarred, ex-CIA, and very good at his job. Unfortunately, Cole and Marcus set off a whole lot of emotional electricity and veritable storms around each other, and not all of it's good.
"Cole nodded as Marcus got closer. Marcus’s eyes narrowed slightly. He didn’t like that Cole had spotted him before Marcus had spotted Cole. But he didn’t know that Cole had radar for men who moved like predators."
My heart went out to Cole, especially after hearing his story. He's an amazing young man, and I fell for him very easily. Marcus is a tough, cynical, man who spent way too many years being involved with users. He doesn't trust easily, or at all. In some ways, Marcus and Cole were very similar in their outlooks toward their fellow man. Hands down, they're incredibly sexy and hot together. Whether they're arguing, boxing, or hitting the sheets, these two can steam up the room.
Overall, I liked this story. However, in my opinion, the story didn't flow, and instead, it jumped back and forth, which was very confusing at times. The plot was good, and I would've loved to have seen it developed more. I adored Cole and I liked Marcus, and I would've enjoyed more background on each of them. But if you're a true fan of this author, and you've liked her other works, then this will definitely be a book for you.
NOTE: This book was provided by Samhain Publishing for the purpose of a review on Rainbow Book Reviews.
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