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Unfinished Business #3
Reinventing Cato
Fate is not always written in the stars…
Being headhunted by NASA might be his ultimate dream, but Cato’s life still sucks. He’s tired of anonymous one-night stands. He’s tired of being lonely. And, frankly, he’s tired of himself. As the clock strikes midnight on New Year’s Eve, he realises the only thing to do if he wants to be happy is to reinvent himself.
Persuaded by his sister to spend New Year’s Eve in Scotland with his parents, Vigge can’t escape the memory of why their family fractured eighteen years ago, and his part in it. He’s channelled the guilt he feels into finding truth and justice for others, but his own life is empty and cold.
A chance encounter at a snowbound airport has Vigge and Cato colliding in more ways than one. Someone seems to have it in for Cato, and as Vigge gets drawn into the mess of Cato’s life, he finds himself falling for the sexy scientist. If only Vigge can make peace with his past and step away from the darkness, they just might have a chance at a future as bright as Cato’s beloved stars.
Book 3 in the Unfinished Business series - but a stand-alone.
Being headhunted by NASA might be his ultimate dream, but Cato’s life still sucks. He’s tired of anonymous one-night stands. He’s tired of being lonely. And, frankly, he’s tired of himself. As the clock strikes midnight on New Year’s Eve, he realises the only thing to do if he wants to be happy is to reinvent himself.
Persuaded by his sister to spend New Year’s Eve in Scotland with his parents, Vigge can’t escape the memory of why their family fractured eighteen years ago, and his part in it. He’s channelled the guilt he feels into finding truth and justice for others, but his own life is empty and cold.
A chance encounter at a snowbound airport has Vigge and Cato colliding in more ways than one. Someone seems to have it in for Cato, and as Vigge gets drawn into the mess of Cato’s life, he finds himself falling for the sexy scientist. If only Vigge can make peace with his past and step away from the darkness, they just might have a chance at a future as bright as Cato’s beloved stars.
Book 3 in the Unfinished Business series - but a stand-alone.
324 pages, Kindle Edition
First published March 24, 2021
75 people are currently reading
325 people want to read
About the author
Barbara Elsborg
101 books1,679 followersBarbara Elsborg lives in Kent in the south of England. She always wanted to be a spy, but having confessed to everyone without them even resorting to torture, she decided it was not for her. Volcanology scorched her feet. A morbid fear of sharks put paid to marine biology. So instead, she spent several years successfully selling cyanide.
After dragging up two rotten, ungrateful children and frustrating her sexy, devoted, wonderful husband (who can now stop twisting her arm) she finally has time to conduct an affair with an electrifying plugged-in male, her laptop.
Her books feature quirky heroines and bad boys, and she hopes they are as much fun to read as they are to write.
After dragging up two rotten, ungrateful children and frustrating her sexy, devoted, wonderful husband (who can now stop twisting her arm) she finally has time to conduct an affair with an electrifying plugged-in male, her laptop.
Her books feature quirky heroines and bad boys, and she hopes they are as much fun to read as they are to write.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 137 reviews
March 18, 2021
There's a reason why I automatically jump up and down when Elsborg releases a new book. I can't resist nor stop a bouncy little happy dance for her books. Add in my favorite cheeky Bloom and enthusiastic noises accompany said happy dance.
Why?
I'm caught, captivated, and at her mercy every single time.
She pens with a fluid and compelling style while slowly peeling back the layers of her story. Trust me when I tell you there will be layers bonded together with profound emotions. I quickly discovered that I should not take anything at face value when it comes to her characters. Having met Cato before, I was excited to get to know him better and absolutely thunderstruck as we uncovered the mysterious past of Vigge.
If you’ve read the first part of this series and adore Jonty as I do, I’m certain you’ll fall under Cato’s spell. And if not, I beg of you, you must discover the ray of sunshine that is Jonty Bloom. Devan named them well when he dubbed them the ‘Terrible Twins’. They share the same sharp wit and sassy smiles, almost as if their family ties were by blood rather than fate. However, their similarities stop there. I don’t want you to think Cato is Jonty 2.0 because he’s far from it. Although…*dreamy smile* I can absolutely see a little mini-me Jonty running around Northumberland. Eek! I’ve lost my focus…sorry, Jonty does that to me. Anywho, back on track…
Cato is brilliant and gifted far above his peers. He believes his dreams are coming true when NASA starts sniffing around his CV. But so far, the one aspect of his life that he’s been unlucky in, is love. His last relationship grew from two to three and somewhere along the line, he lost his footing. Embracing his intellectual side, he’s decided he needs to start fresh. Makes sense, right? Reform his promiscuous ways. Redefine his priorities. Reinvent himself. Heartsore on New Year’s Eve seems like the perfect time to embark on his new path. The stars are aligning and he only has to follow. It must be destiny when the sexy stranger at the airport accepts his plea for a ride. He can’t miss his interview with NASA. Turns out being stranded at the airport was simply the catalyst of the tailspin trying to take him down.
Vigge tried to cross a bridge he thought was broken forever. Returning to his small hometown and visiting his estranged parents was never going to be easy but he vastly underestimated their divide. It didn’t take long and the silence and memories became suffocating. Desperate to get away, frantic to forget the nightmares that have plagued him for nearly twenty years, he foolishly drives through a snowstorm trying to put miles between him and his past. Clearly, out of sorts, he picks up a stranger at the airport. As a police officer, he doesn’t typically take such risks but there’s something about Cato that makes him want to break all his rules. And I mean, all of them.
Secrets are bared, heartbreaking losses are shared and in the midst of it all, hearts are stolen. I was on the edge of my seat, anxious and impatient as the tension escalated. True to form, Barb delivered a piercing yet heartwarming romance full of unexpected passion. And yes, I LOVED it. Whatcha wanna bet you will too??
Beware of: A saucy star boy in the crosshairs of…someone. Cold-blooded, a cold crime, and a cold shoulder…don’t fret, things heat up nicely. A little push and a little shove…with some twists and even more climaxes.
This book is for: I suppose you don’t have to read the previous books in this series but I’ll take this opportunity to strongly encourage that you do so first…then come back to this stellar adventure. And! Get ready for book four, yep, there’s going to be more!!
Book UNfunk
Why?
I'm caught, captivated, and at her mercy every single time.
She pens with a fluid and compelling style while slowly peeling back the layers of her story. Trust me when I tell you there will be layers bonded together with profound emotions. I quickly discovered that I should not take anything at face value when it comes to her characters. Having met Cato before, I was excited to get to know him better and absolutely thunderstruck as we uncovered the mysterious past of Vigge.
If you’ve read the first part of this series and adore Jonty as I do, I’m certain you’ll fall under Cato’s spell. And if not, I beg of you, you must discover the ray of sunshine that is Jonty Bloom. Devan named them well when he dubbed them the ‘Terrible Twins’. They share the same sharp wit and sassy smiles, almost as if their family ties were by blood rather than fate. However, their similarities stop there. I don’t want you to think Cato is Jonty 2.0 because he’s far from it. Although…*dreamy smile* I can absolutely see a little mini-me Jonty running around Northumberland. Eek! I’ve lost my focus…sorry, Jonty does that to me. Anywho, back on track…
Cato is brilliant and gifted far above his peers. He believes his dreams are coming true when NASA starts sniffing around his CV. But so far, the one aspect of his life that he’s been unlucky in, is love. His last relationship grew from two to three and somewhere along the line, he lost his footing. Embracing his intellectual side, he’s decided he needs to start fresh. Makes sense, right? Reform his promiscuous ways. Redefine his priorities. Reinvent himself. Heartsore on New Year’s Eve seems like the perfect time to embark on his new path. The stars are aligning and he only has to follow. It must be destiny when the sexy stranger at the airport accepts his plea for a ride. He can’t miss his interview with NASA. Turns out being stranded at the airport was simply the catalyst of the tailspin trying to take him down.
Vigge tried to cross a bridge he thought was broken forever. Returning to his small hometown and visiting his estranged parents was never going to be easy but he vastly underestimated their divide. It didn’t take long and the silence and memories became suffocating. Desperate to get away, frantic to forget the nightmares that have plagued him for nearly twenty years, he foolishly drives through a snowstorm trying to put miles between him and his past. Clearly, out of sorts, he picks up a stranger at the airport. As a police officer, he doesn’t typically take such risks but there’s something about Cato that makes him want to break all his rules. And I mean, all of them.
Secrets are bared, heartbreaking losses are shared and in the midst of it all, hearts are stolen. I was on the edge of my seat, anxious and impatient as the tension escalated. True to form, Barb delivered a piercing yet heartwarming romance full of unexpected passion. And yes, I LOVED it. Whatcha wanna bet you will too??
Beware of: A saucy star boy in the crosshairs of…someone. Cold-blooded, a cold crime, and a cold shoulder…don’t fret, things heat up nicely. A little push and a little shove…with some twists and even more climaxes.
This book is for: I suppose you don’t have to read the previous books in this series but I’ll take this opportunity to strongly encourage that you do so first…then come back to this stellar adventure. And! Get ready for book four, yep, there’s going to be more!!
Book UNfunk
October 3, 2023
✰ 4 stars ✰
“The secret of life. It seemed apt. A policeman and an astrophysicist went into a pub and… found each other.
What would happen next?”
I've been crushing on the megane-kun who graces Reinventing Cato for quite awhile, so I was really hopeful that Cato's story would not disappoint. And I'm really happy it didn't. I know this writer may not be for everyone, but even at someone's most chaotic self, it gives me a sense of calm. I may not go off on tangents or spout interesting unbelievable facts at random, but just being on the receiving end of that - I don't know, it just relaxes me.
So to see how Cato and Vigge first met and the circumstances in which they ended up spending more and more time together - from unexpected friends to eventually falling in love - I enjoyed it. I did. It's not that quick heated romance with hot and heavy writing with a quick frenzied night of passion.'I want this to be different. I can be different.' It's that slow build-up to a meaningful connection with someone that matters to you - that you care enough about their own protection over your own well-being that makes their relationship stand out in my heart and mind.
“So no more walking away from each other without sorting stuff out. Right? Because you know what I need more than anything? A friend I can trust. Things in my life are fucked up. I’m fucked up and I’m scared.”
Perhaps Jonty may be the staple to which Ms. Elsborg bases her characters on, but how she brings a different spin to them with their unique histories and troublesome pasts is what makes me coming back time and time again to her stories. At 33, for Cato, it's nothing to brag about or be proud of - hopping from one bed to another in the hopes of just having a good time. On New Year's Eve, He's hit with the epiphany. Cato wanted the happiness he’d seen on his brother’s face. The contentment. Cato wanted someone to care about him like Devan cared for Jonty. Not just care. Love.' 🥺🥺
He wants to reinvent himself - begone are the days of whence it happened that a quick one night stand and dancing and flirting his way through the night was what satisfied him. His answer comes in the form of one meaningful car trip with 35-year-old detective, Vigge - a closeted gay man till just recently, whose own past continues to haunt him, but who has 'wasted too much time. He wanted to be different. Honest with his colleagues. Open about being gay.' And 'Cato ticked so few of Vigge’s boxes, yet somehow, he’d come to tick all of them' that he would do whatever he could to make them work.
“Part of me wants you to show NASA how brilliant you are, but the larger part of me never wants to let you go.”
Cato, 'a mouthy flirt with a doctorate' won my heart very early on into the story. I wanted to clobber his exes into oblivion; I love how unlikable the author always manages to create for her character's exes. Really gets my blood boiling! I loved how his own tumultuous and flamboyant past became a part of Vigge's present and how so very well, it was incorporated into the mystery. 👌🏻👌🏻 I got engrossed in it and very much intrigued to see how it would all pan out; Cato's reactions to all the murders that were taking place felt very believable to me, as well as the challenge that Vigge felt for being intimately involved with Cato, while investigating the case at the same time.
Cato and Vigge's relationship had it's ups and downs - it wasn't instant love, because both of them didn't want that. They wanted their feelings to stand for something than just a romp in the bedroom. Cato's admission to collecting first kisses, Vigge indulging in Cato's fascinations, Cato coaxing Vigge out of his comfort zone, Vigge apologizing for the many moments he appeared indifferent to Cato's kindness and concern, Cato's compassion for Vigge's personal trauma and grief - Cato who is 'the biggest, brightest star in my world'. ❤️🩹❤️🩹
It was so very well done and genuinely heart-felt. I felt it in my heart - you would think, you'd get annoyed by it, but I wasn't. It allowed their relationship to nurture and grow from just a casual fling to an honest and caring one that really moved me. It just felt so real to me - not at all sappy or saccharine or even unbelievably in how they got closer, but just one that mattered. That how lucky they are to find each other, when you don't think it's possible this late in life. 🩵🩵
“Can I tell them you’re my psychiatrist?”
“Why not settle for boyfriend?”
“Did the word catch in your throat?” Cato asked.
“On the way from my heart?”
“Oh.” Cato smiled. “I think that might be the most romantic thing anyone has ever said to me.”
Ah, I love the soft barbs that sting and melt the heart at the same time. Because of Vigge's own traumatic past, he does push Cato away, but he always came back - repentant and contrite that perhaps, he was in the wrong. 🤧🤧 I loved that they had a shared passion for the violin, too; it's my favorite musical instrument, and how Vigge described Cato as he performed, when they performed together. Vigge's soft admittance of 'You’ve made me see what I can be. I want you in my life. I want to build a life with you,' would make anyone weak. 🫠 🫠
It's their tender confessions and vulnerable moments of seeing how much the other completes them is what made their story so much more memorable and beautiful to me. Even with their imperfections, it's 'you are my world, my sun, my stars,” Cato whispered,' that shows that they care so very much for one another. It's not a swoon-worthy romance, but it's the way they tackled their personal challenges together, overcame their own personal fears, fought hard in the face of danger, that reflects how far they have come.
“I’m back!” Jonty burst into the room. “Did you all miss me?”
“Did you go somewhere?” Devan asked.”
And of course, no story is complete without Jonty, the younger half of the Two Terrible Twins. Seeing him and Devan again - this story takes place before their trip to Russia, so all the moments leading up to it, seeing their playful interactions. 😊 Devan is still as foolishly smitten as ever, and just seeing those sentimental thoughts he shares with his brother - 'I want to take care of him, but he’s the one who takes care of me', makes Cato more determined than ever to have someone that matters just as much to him in his life - something like that to call his own. 'Jonty smiled at Devan and Devan’s face… Oh God. Cato swallowed hard. I want that. Want it, want it, want it. You really see the lasting effect Jonty's charm has had on the Smith family in so many positive ways that you can't help but love him. 🥹🥹
I love mysteries. I enjoy romances. I want characters to find closure. I appreciate well-written stories with charming and witty banter. And I admire how Barbara Elsborg is able to deliver on all these things. It's not for everyone, but it works for me. She tosses you right into the mix of the story and then introduces you to characters who you want them to find their inner peace and satisfying end-game. And when you have two characters - each attempting to reinvent themselves for two very different reasons - it hits you with a fierce urge that they do get the happy ending that they deserve. 💟
“Have you heard the one about the astrophysicist and the policeman who walk into a bar?”
“Remind me of the punchline.”
“They found the secret of life.”
“And what’s that?”
“They lived happily ever after.”
“The secret of life. It seemed apt. A policeman and an astrophysicist went into a pub and… found each other.
What would happen next?”
I've been crushing on the megane-kun who graces Reinventing Cato for quite awhile, so I was really hopeful that Cato's story would not disappoint. And I'm really happy it didn't. I know this writer may not be for everyone, but even at someone's most chaotic self, it gives me a sense of calm. I may not go off on tangents or spout interesting unbelievable facts at random, but just being on the receiving end of that - I don't know, it just relaxes me.
So to see how Cato and Vigge first met and the circumstances in which they ended up spending more and more time together - from unexpected friends to eventually falling in love - I enjoyed it. I did. It's not that quick heated romance with hot and heavy writing with a quick frenzied night of passion.'I want this to be different. I can be different.' It's that slow build-up to a meaningful connection with someone that matters to you - that you care enough about their own protection over your own well-being that makes their relationship stand out in my heart and mind.
“So no more walking away from each other without sorting stuff out. Right? Because you know what I need more than anything? A friend I can trust. Things in my life are fucked up. I’m fucked up and I’m scared.”
Perhaps Jonty may be the staple to which Ms. Elsborg bases her characters on, but how she brings a different spin to them with their unique histories and troublesome pasts is what makes me coming back time and time again to her stories. At 33, for Cato, it's nothing to brag about or be proud of - hopping from one bed to another in the hopes of just having a good time. On New Year's Eve, He's hit with the epiphany. Cato wanted the happiness he’d seen on his brother’s face. The contentment. Cato wanted someone to care about him like Devan cared for Jonty. Not just care. Love.' 🥺🥺
He wants to reinvent himself - begone are the days of whence it happened that a quick one night stand and dancing and flirting his way through the night was what satisfied him. His answer comes in the form of one meaningful car trip with 35-year-old detective, Vigge - a closeted gay man till just recently, whose own past continues to haunt him, but who has 'wasted too much time. He wanted to be different. Honest with his colleagues. Open about being gay.' And 'Cato ticked so few of Vigge’s boxes, yet somehow, he’d come to tick all of them' that he would do whatever he could to make them work.
“Part of me wants you to show NASA how brilliant you are, but the larger part of me never wants to let you go.”
Cato, 'a mouthy flirt with a doctorate' won my heart very early on into the story. I wanted to clobber his exes into oblivion; I love how unlikable the author always manages to create for her character's exes. Really gets my blood boiling! I loved how his own tumultuous and flamboyant past became a part of Vigge's present and how so very well, it was incorporated into the mystery. 👌🏻👌🏻 I got engrossed in it and very much intrigued to see how it would all pan out; Cato's reactions to all the murders that were taking place felt very believable to me, as well as the challenge that Vigge felt for being intimately involved with Cato, while investigating the case at the same time.
Cato and Vigge's relationship had it's ups and downs - it wasn't instant love, because both of them didn't want that. They wanted their feelings to stand for something than just a romp in the bedroom. Cato's admission to collecting first kisses, Vigge indulging in Cato's fascinations, Cato coaxing Vigge out of his comfort zone, Vigge apologizing for the many moments he appeared indifferent to Cato's kindness and concern, Cato's compassion for Vigge's personal trauma and grief - Cato who is 'the biggest, brightest star in my world'. ❤️🩹❤️🩹
It was so very well done and genuinely heart-felt. I felt it in my heart - you would think, you'd get annoyed by it, but I wasn't. It allowed their relationship to nurture and grow from just a casual fling to an honest and caring one that really moved me. It just felt so real to me - not at all sappy or saccharine or even unbelievably in how they got closer, but just one that mattered. That how lucky they are to find each other, when you don't think it's possible this late in life. 🩵🩵
“Can I tell them you’re my psychiatrist?”
“Why not settle for boyfriend?”
“Did the word catch in your throat?” Cato asked.
“On the way from my heart?”
“Oh.” Cato smiled. “I think that might be the most romantic thing anyone has ever said to me.”
Ah, I love the soft barbs that sting and melt the heart at the same time. Because of Vigge's own traumatic past, he does push Cato away, but he always came back - repentant and contrite that perhaps, he was in the wrong. 🤧🤧 I loved that they had a shared passion for the violin, too; it's my favorite musical instrument, and how Vigge described Cato as he performed, when they performed together. Vigge's soft admittance of 'You’ve made me see what I can be. I want you in my life. I want to build a life with you,' would make anyone weak. 🫠 🫠
It's their tender confessions and vulnerable moments of seeing how much the other completes them is what made their story so much more memorable and beautiful to me. Even with their imperfections, it's 'you are my world, my sun, my stars,” Cato whispered,' that shows that they care so very much for one another. It's not a swoon-worthy romance, but it's the way they tackled their personal challenges together, overcame their own personal fears, fought hard in the face of danger, that reflects how far they have come.
“I’m back!” Jonty burst into the room. “Did you all miss me?”
“Did you go somewhere?” Devan asked.”
And of course, no story is complete without Jonty, the younger half of the Two Terrible Twins. Seeing him and Devan again - this story takes place before their trip to Russia, so all the moments leading up to it, seeing their playful interactions. 😊 Devan is still as foolishly smitten as ever, and just seeing those sentimental thoughts he shares with his brother - 'I want to take care of him, but he’s the one who takes care of me', makes Cato more determined than ever to have someone that matters just as much to him in his life - something like that to call his own. 'Jonty smiled at Devan and Devan’s face… Oh God. Cato swallowed hard. I want that. Want it, want it, want it. You really see the lasting effect Jonty's charm has had on the Smith family in so many positive ways that you can't help but love him. 🥹🥹
I love mysteries. I enjoy romances. I want characters to find closure. I appreciate well-written stories with charming and witty banter. And I admire how Barbara Elsborg is able to deliver on all these things. It's not for everyone, but it works for me. She tosses you right into the mix of the story and then introduces you to characters who you want them to find their inner peace and satisfying end-game. And when you have two characters - each attempting to reinvent themselves for two very different reasons - it hits you with a fierce urge that they do get the happy ending that they deserve. 💟
“Have you heard the one about the astrophysicist and the policeman who walk into a bar?”
“Remind me of the punchline.”
“They found the secret of life.”
“And what’s that?”
“They lived happily ever after.”
May 4, 2021
*3.5 stars*
I very much enjoyed Reinventing Cato by the always reliable Barbara Elsborg, but a few things kept it out of the love category for me.
Barbara Elsborg does angst so very well, and I loved the "soft angst" here. It wasn't a rip-your-heart-out kind of story, but there was plenty of pain for those of us who like tortured heroes. I always love how Barbara Elsborg balances humor and angst in her stories, and we got that great combo again here.
I'm usually not one for a mystery or suspense story, but I think having that little bit of suspense kept me on my toes. Both of the MCs had secrets and things going on, and I liked the drama, surprisingly. I think it kept the plot swimming along nicely, and I was really into the story the whole time. I was eager to see how it would all play out, and even though aspects were very far-fetched, I enjoyed those parts of the story more than I expected.
Where I reach a little bit of a stumbling block with this author is that many of her characters are starting to sound too familiar. I sometimes have this issue with authors where their humorous characters start to sound all like twins because, well, that's the author's sense of humor! It's hard to make unique characters, but Cato was literally a clone of Jonte, and that bothered me. The story lost a good deal of shine because of it. I'm going to need a multi-year break between this author's books if this keeps happening.
Overall, I think most fans of this author will be thrilled by Reinventing Cato. I enjoyed it, even with my few gripes, and I even enjoyed the suspense parts (huzzah!). A very solid read from a funny, reliable author.
*Copy provided in exchange for an honest review*
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I very much enjoyed Reinventing Cato by the always reliable Barbara Elsborg, but a few things kept it out of the love category for me.
Barbara Elsborg does angst so very well, and I loved the "soft angst" here. It wasn't a rip-your-heart-out kind of story, but there was plenty of pain for those of us who like tortured heroes. I always love how Barbara Elsborg balances humor and angst in her stories, and we got that great combo again here.
I'm usually not one for a mystery or suspense story, but I think having that little bit of suspense kept me on my toes. Both of the MCs had secrets and things going on, and I liked the drama, surprisingly. I think it kept the plot swimming along nicely, and I was really into the story the whole time. I was eager to see how it would all play out, and even though aspects were very far-fetched, I enjoyed those parts of the story more than I expected.
Where I reach a little bit of a stumbling block with this author is that many of her characters are starting to sound too familiar. I sometimes have this issue with authors where their humorous characters start to sound all like twins because, well, that's the author's sense of humor! It's hard to make unique characters, but Cato was literally a clone of Jonte, and that bothered me. The story lost a good deal of shine because of it. I'm going to need a multi-year break between this author's books if this keeps happening.
Overall, I think most fans of this author will be thrilled by Reinventing Cato. I enjoyed it, even with my few gripes, and I even enjoyed the suspense parts (huzzah!). A very solid read from a funny, reliable author.
*Copy provided in exchange for an honest review*
goodreads|instagram|twitter|blog
April 25, 2024
Was Cato a bit (too) similar to Jonty? Yes. Did I mind? Not at all.
And that’s partly because I absolutely LOVED Jonty. And while Cato has similar traits to Jonty, he’s still very different.
One thing that sets him apart: he’s a highly intelligent science nerd, and I loved all the facts he threw around, even if his quick mind tended to jump from one thing to the next so quickly that it made me dizzy at times.
And Vigge, his part-Danish love interest, was different enough from Jonty’s counterpart Devon, and their dynamics and backgrounds were different, too.
The murder mystery was clever enough, and - while not the main focus - kept me on my toes.
I can’t even find the right words to describe what charmed me so much about this book. It’s not perfect, but I loved the vibe, and I loved the characters. Even Cato’s mother whom I loathed in Jonty’s book behaved decently. As for Vigge’s parents: I’m ready to cut them some slack because of the trauma they’ve been to. And they did try to make amends.
“Kom her, skat, og lad mig slå dig ihjel med mit kærlighed sværd,” Vigge said. “How did you find the Danish translation?”
“I asked Gitte.”
Vigge sagged. “Oh God.”
“It says Welcome to America. We’re going to have fun, doesn’t it?”
Vigge was not fooled. The sign said Come here, sweetheart, and let me slay you with my love sword. That was not down to his sister. More like Google Translate, with a double helping of Jonty who really was Cato’s Terrible Twin, Vigge had come to realise, much to Devan’s amusement.
You can’t go wrong if you’re looking for a funny, quirky, occasionally angsty book, with a lot of random science facts thrown in for good measure ☺️
And that’s partly because I absolutely LOVED Jonty. And while Cato has similar traits to Jonty, he’s still very different.
One thing that sets him apart: he’s a highly intelligent science nerd, and I loved all the facts he threw around, even if his quick mind tended to jump from one thing to the next so quickly that it made me dizzy at times.
And Vigge, his part-Danish love interest, was different enough from Jonty’s counterpart Devon, and their dynamics and backgrounds were different, too.
The murder mystery was clever enough, and - while not the main focus - kept me on my toes.
I can’t even find the right words to describe what charmed me so much about this book. It’s not perfect, but I loved the vibe, and I loved the characters. Even Cato’s mother whom I loathed in Jonty’s book behaved decently. As for Vigge’s parents: I’m ready to cut them some slack because of the trauma they’ve been to. And they did try to make amends.
“Kom her, skat, og lad mig slå dig ihjel med mit kærlighed sværd,” Vigge said. “How did you find the Danish translation?”
“I asked Gitte.”
Vigge sagged. “Oh God.”
“It says Welcome to America. We’re going to have fun, doesn’t it?”
Vigge was not fooled. The sign said Come here, sweetheart, and let me slay you with my love sword. That was not down to his sister. More like Google Translate, with a double helping of Jonty who really was Cato’s Terrible Twin, Vigge had come to realise, much to Devan’s amusement.
You can’t go wrong if you’re looking for a funny, quirky, occasionally angsty book, with a lot of random science facts thrown in for good measure ☺️
February 27, 2021
I think that's my favourite one yet in this series.
Cato is such a fascinating character and Vigge provides a perfect foil as he goes through a voyage of change.
The suspense element is also done well. While I had suspicions, they ended up being misplaced by Barbara's clever misdirection.
There's a bit of pushing and pulling as Vigge struggles with ages old guilt surrounding the disappearance of his younger brother and his sexuality.
But overall, this book flows beautifully from start to finish and I was completely invested in both of the subplots.
We get to see plenty of Jonty and Devan too, which is always a bonus, and there are moments of levity to break up the tension.
The sex, once Vigge commits, is on fire, passionate and emotionally charged.
For me, the resolutions of both Cato's stalker and what happened to Vigge's brother fitted well within the narrative.
#ARC kindly received from the author in return for an honest and unbiased review.
Cato is such a fascinating character and Vigge provides a perfect foil as he goes through a voyage of change.
The suspense element is also done well. While I had suspicions, they ended up being misplaced by Barbara's clever misdirection.
There's a bit of pushing and pulling as Vigge struggles with ages old guilt surrounding the disappearance of his younger brother and his sexuality.
But overall, this book flows beautifully from start to finish and I was completely invested in both of the subplots.
We get to see plenty of Jonty and Devan too, which is always a bonus, and there are moments of levity to break up the tension.
The sex, once Vigge commits, is on fire, passionate and emotionally charged.
For me, the resolutions of both Cato's stalker and what happened to Vigge's brother fitted well within the narrative.
#ARC kindly received from the author in return for an honest and unbiased review.
December 30, 2021
4 Almost Loved-it Stars!! ❤️ 😍 This was a little hard for me to rate, because I loved Cato and liked Vigge.. and the romance that was promised between the two seemed heartening.. but somewhere the mystery plot took over the romance plot and since there were actually two ongoing mysteries.. despite the steam and sizzle between the two MCs, the significance of their love got a little lost. The ending and the epilogue made up a little, but not enough for me to give this book a 5 star rating.
Nevertheless, this was still a great book.. Cato seemed similar to Jonty in many ways.. and was still adorable in his geeky genius ways. Vigge was a little harder to like despite his past... probably because of his push and pull strategy with Cato. I thought Cato forgave him way too easily..but that's just my opinion. Other than that, I can't write much without giving away some major spoilers. Highly recommended to all fans of BE!! 👍 👍
Nevertheless, this was still a great book.. Cato seemed similar to Jonty in many ways.. and was still adorable in his geeky genius ways. Vigge was a little harder to like despite his past... probably because of his push and pull strategy with Cato. I thought Cato forgave him way too easily..but that's just my opinion. Other than that, I can't write much without giving away some major spoilers. Highly recommended to all fans of BE!! 👍 👍
March 25, 2021
Barbara Elsborg has created another unforgettable tale with Reinventing Cato. The third novel in her Unfinished Business series (not counting bonus stories in the collection), this is a heartfelt hurt/comfort story, with an exciting and fast paced mystery, and plenty of sass and sex. While technically a standalone series, because of the overlap of characters I’d recommend starting with The Making of Jonty Bloom and reading them in order.
If you’ve read any of the novels in Barbara Elsborg’s Unfinished Business series, then I don’t need to reiterate how spectacular these stories are. They’re completely addictive and I’ve been gobbling them up as fast as Ms. Elsborg can write them. Filled with unique and fascinating characters, and an incredible variety of plots, each of these novels has a different flavor. But the one thing they all have in common is that they’re impossible to put down!
We met Cato in Jonty’s Christmas, at the Smith family holiday celebration. Between his astrophysicist brain and virtuoso-level violin playing, Cato is a compelling character. I give him high marks for matching wits with Jonty in the Christmas visit, and I enjoyed the way he kept Devan on his toes with his brotherly ribbing. I’m so happy to get his story.
In a unique and creative meet-cute, Cato ends up begging a ride from a striking (but stoic) stranger. It doesn’t take clever Cato long to pull the dark and brooding Vigge from his shell, plus the sexual tension between them is irresistible. It’s not a very good start for Cato’s New Year’s resolution to reinvent himself… but what’s a man to do?
Their meeting must be fate, because these two end up embroiled in a spine-tingling thriller. Fans of Barbara Elsborg know she can write a doozie, and Reinventing Cato kept me at the edge of my seat. Plus, the frequent pop-ins from Cato’s extensive family satisfied my ongoing craving for Devan and Jonty.
If you haven’t dipped your toes into the Unfinished Business series, you’re missing out on something truly exceptional. Each story is beautifully written, with colorful descriptions of the surroundings, exciting drama, and sensuous romance. And topping it all off are the unique folks who make up this world.
Barbara Elsborg writes in the afterword of Reinventing Cato that there will be a fourth book. I truly hope it will be Devan’s youngest brother, Griff’s story. With all of Griff’s issues, it would be a heartbreaker, but if anyone can do his character justice it’s Barbara Elsborg!
If you’ve read any of the novels in Barbara Elsborg’s Unfinished Business series, then I don’t need to reiterate how spectacular these stories are. They’re completely addictive and I’ve been gobbling them up as fast as Ms. Elsborg can write them. Filled with unique and fascinating characters, and an incredible variety of plots, each of these novels has a different flavor. But the one thing they all have in common is that they’re impossible to put down!
We met Cato in Jonty’s Christmas, at the Smith family holiday celebration. Between his astrophysicist brain and virtuoso-level violin playing, Cato is a compelling character. I give him high marks for matching wits with Jonty in the Christmas visit, and I enjoyed the way he kept Devan on his toes with his brotherly ribbing. I’m so happy to get his story.
In a unique and creative meet-cute, Cato ends up begging a ride from a striking (but stoic) stranger. It doesn’t take clever Cato long to pull the dark and brooding Vigge from his shell, plus the sexual tension between them is irresistible. It’s not a very good start for Cato’s New Year’s resolution to reinvent himself… but what’s a man to do?
Their meeting must be fate, because these two end up embroiled in a spine-tingling thriller. Fans of Barbara Elsborg know she can write a doozie, and Reinventing Cato kept me at the edge of my seat. Plus, the frequent pop-ins from Cato’s extensive family satisfied my ongoing craving for Devan and Jonty.
If you haven’t dipped your toes into the Unfinished Business series, you’re missing out on something truly exceptional. Each story is beautifully written, with colorful descriptions of the surroundings, exciting drama, and sensuous romance. And topping it all off are the unique folks who make up this world.
Barbara Elsborg writes in the afterword of Reinventing Cato that there will be a fourth book. I truly hope it will be Devan’s youngest brother, Griff’s story. With all of Griff’s issues, it would be a heartbreaker, but if anyone can do his character justice it’s Barbara Elsborg!
March 26, 2021
3.75 Stars ⭐️
April 14, 2021
Really enjoyed this one.
Liked both Cato and Vigge, loved Cato's sense of humor.
The suspense element kept me interested throughout the book and I liked how everything played out.
Another Barbara Elsborg for the win!
Liked both Cato and Vigge, loved Cato's sense of humor.
The suspense element kept me interested throughout the book and I liked how everything played out.
Another Barbara Elsborg for the win!
December 30, 2025
Reread 25.-29.12.25.
Hmmm... jak widać prawdziwe jest stwierdzenie, że każda książka musi trafić w swój czas.
Ten tytuł za pierwszym razem wstrzelił mi się bardzo dobrze, za drugim, cóż... już nie tak bardzo.
Choć Cato jest fantastyczny, to Vigge tym razem mi nie podpadł kilka razy, a naprawdę szczerze wkurwił, zaś rozmowy o astrofizyce po prostu mnie zmęczyły...
Odejmuję jedną gwiazdkę (było 5) i zostawiam oczywiście poniżej oryginalny komentarz.
* * * * * * *
No cóż ja mogę napisać - chyba to, że zdecydowanie mi się podobało 😁 Nie jest to raczej żadna niespodzianka 😁 Dla mnie to fantastyczna seria, w której świetną robotę robią dialogi i która, nawet jak się robi poważnie, to nie przytłacza, bo bohaterowie na to nie pozwalają 😁 Bo przy każdej części każdy z głównych bohaterów to majstersztyk, nawet jeżeli czasami wkurzający 😉 Tym razem Vigge kilka razy podpadł, ale zostało mu wybaczone 😁
I wprawdzie Jonty ciągle jest moim ulubieńcem, uwielbiam go niezmiennie i bezgranicznie - i w tej części nie mogło go zabraknąć oczywiście i jak zwykle dał czadu - ale Cato depcze mu po piętach 😁
Z niecierpliwością czekam na kolejny tytuł w serii 😁
Hmmm... jak widać prawdziwe jest stwierdzenie, że każda książka musi trafić w swój czas.
Ten tytuł za pierwszym razem wstrzelił mi się bardzo dobrze, za drugim, cóż... już nie tak bardzo.
Choć Cato jest fantastyczny, to Vigge tym razem mi nie podpadł kilka razy, a naprawdę szczerze wkurwił, zaś rozmowy o astrofizyce po prostu mnie zmęczyły...
Odejmuję jedną gwiazdkę (było 5) i zostawiam oczywiście poniżej oryginalny komentarz.
* * * * * * *
No cóż ja mogę napisać - chyba to, że zdecydowanie mi się podobało 😁 Nie jest to raczej żadna niespodzianka 😁 Dla mnie to fantastyczna seria, w której świetną robotę robią dialogi i która, nawet jak się robi poważnie, to nie przytłacza, bo bohaterowie na to nie pozwalają 😁 Bo przy każdej części każdy z głównych bohaterów to majstersztyk, nawet jeżeli czasami wkurzający 😉 Tym razem Vigge kilka razy podpadł, ale zostało mu wybaczone 😁
I wprawdzie Jonty ciągle jest moim ulubieńcem, uwielbiam go niezmiennie i bezgranicznie - i w tej części nie mogło go zabraknąć oczywiście i jak zwykle dał czadu - ale Cato depcze mu po piętach 😁
Z niecierpliwością czekam na kolejny tytuł w serii 😁
April 10, 2021
4.5 stars
Loved it! The banter was brilliant and just what I didn't even know I needed right now.
Cato was perfect for Vigge with his comebacks, his encouragement and support though at times I could have willingly slapped Vigge upside the head. See, the old pushing away doesn't work for me yet as much as Vigge annoyed me I got why he did it and loved that Cato understood him so well. Vigge knew when he messed up and wasted no time in apologising and also explaining why he did what he did, so no ridiculous miscommunication here, thankfully.
The only thing that took away from this a teeny tiny bit was the dual suspense plots running, Cato's worked but Vigge's didn't. Not sure if it's because it needed to be fleshed out more or just left out altogether? But overall a fabulous read with a chance to catch up with Jonty and Devan.
I'll say it again ... Loved it!
Loved it! The banter was brilliant and just what I didn't even know I needed right now.
Cato was perfect for Vigge with his comebacks, his encouragement and support though at times I could have willingly slapped Vigge upside the head. See, the old pushing away doesn't work for me yet as much as Vigge annoyed me I got why he did it and loved that Cato understood him so well. Vigge knew when he messed up and wasted no time in apologising and also explaining why he did what he did, so no ridiculous miscommunication here, thankfully.
The only thing that took away from this a teeny tiny bit was the dual suspense plots running, Cato's worked but Vigge's didn't. Not sure if it's because it needed to be fleshed out more or just left out altogether? But overall a fabulous read with a chance to catch up with Jonty and Devan.
I'll say it again ... Loved it!
March 19, 2021
What an amazing and entertaining book this was! While Jonty is still my first love among the author’s characters (and we do get to see/hear from him a few delightful times here), Cato is definitely high up there. His interactions with Vigge often made me laugh. Vigge was a little slower to open up and trust, but he was also faithful and protective and just a great match for Cato.
Now, the blurb makes it clear that something untoward is going on, but I had no idea it would be so suspenseful! I haven’t been so tempted in ages to peek ahead and find out who was behind everything (and I’m not going to admit whether or not I did). 😂
All in all, it was a book that gripped me and made it hard to put down, and is a great addition to the series.
Now, the blurb makes it clear that something untoward is going on, but I had no idea it would be so suspenseful! I haven’t been so tempted in ages to peek ahead and find out who was behind everything (and I’m not going to admit whether or not I did). 😂
All in all, it was a book that gripped me and made it hard to put down, and is a great addition to the series.
April 14, 2021
Loved it - clever, well paced with beautiful humor.
Read this in one hit ! Adored Cato & Vigge
Read this in one hit ! Adored Cato & Vigge
March 15, 2021
4.5 stars
Cato Smith has decided to turn over a new leaf. It is a new year and he wants what his brother, Devan, and his love, Jonty have found. So no more hookups, no going back to temptations from his past, just moving forward. And he is also in the process of perhaps getting his dream job at NASA. He is highly intelligent and getting his Doctorate in Astrophysics.
Vigge is a cop and a bit more jaded, stoic, and untrusting. He keeps his personal life private. He had no idea that agreeing to give Cato during a blizzard would change his life. He has issues from his past, family dynamics, and has been living a cold, empty life focused on work.
These two were not expecting the other at all. Cato lights up his life with his outgoing personality and the way he pushes Vigge just enough. And although Vigge still seems to have knee-jerk, negative reactions to some things and Cato is a cut-and-run sort, they seem to keep being drawn to one another and they have a connection they cannot deny.
But Cato is also finding himself the target of some threats, and Vigge is finding he is more protective when it is someone he cares about. And Cato is just as worried about the people he loves and Vigge getting in trouble. Soon things are getting more serious in more ways than one. And trust will be tested and consequences could be severe.
This is an opposites-attract, snarky, tension-filled, M/M, romantic suspense story about finding a connection when least expected and doing whatever is necessary to protect it. The mystery and suspense element ramps up during the story bringing more tension, action, and drama. These two both have baggage and challenge and complement each other in various ways. They bring excitement, comfort, and support that they both have craved but were afraid to hope for.
Devan and Jonty add more comic relief along the way. In some ways, Cato reminds me more of Jonty in this book (and earns his title of Jonty's terrible twin) since he is the more hyper-talkative, saucier, and more open of the two of them, and Vigge is his more serious foil. They are a bit awkward at relationships, but they both have big hearts, are motivated to do better, and have a lot of love to give. That is, if they both make it out of the situation alive.
I find myself pulled into this author's storytelling and attached to her quirky characters. And I always find myself googling foods that we just do not have in the United States like eel cake, nut loaf, and sticky toffee pudding. I also googled how to pronounce Vigge correctly. The authenticity of her language and writing style just brings more depth to her stories and their settings.
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Cato Smith has decided to turn over a new leaf. It is a new year and he wants what his brother, Devan, and his love, Jonty have found. So no more hookups, no going back to temptations from his past, just moving forward. And he is also in the process of perhaps getting his dream job at NASA. He is highly intelligent and getting his Doctorate in Astrophysics.
Vigge is a cop and a bit more jaded, stoic, and untrusting. He keeps his personal life private. He had no idea that agreeing to give Cato during a blizzard would change his life. He has issues from his past, family dynamics, and has been living a cold, empty life focused on work.
These two were not expecting the other at all. Cato lights up his life with his outgoing personality and the way he pushes Vigge just enough. And although Vigge still seems to have knee-jerk, negative reactions to some things and Cato is a cut-and-run sort, they seem to keep being drawn to one another and they have a connection they cannot deny.
But Cato is also finding himself the target of some threats, and Vigge is finding he is more protective when it is someone he cares about. And Cato is just as worried about the people he loves and Vigge getting in trouble. Soon things are getting more serious in more ways than one. And trust will be tested and consequences could be severe.
This is an opposites-attract, snarky, tension-filled, M/M, romantic suspense story about finding a connection when least expected and doing whatever is necessary to protect it. The mystery and suspense element ramps up during the story bringing more tension, action, and drama. These two both have baggage and challenge and complement each other in various ways. They bring excitement, comfort, and support that they both have craved but were afraid to hope for.
Devan and Jonty add more comic relief along the way. In some ways, Cato reminds me more of Jonty in this book (and earns his title of Jonty's terrible twin) since he is the more hyper-talkative, saucier, and more open of the two of them, and Vigge is his more serious foil. They are a bit awkward at relationships, but they both have big hearts, are motivated to do better, and have a lot of love to give. That is, if they both make it out of the situation alive.
I find myself pulled into this author's storytelling and attached to her quirky characters. And I always find myself googling foods that we just do not have in the United States like eel cake, nut loaf, and sticky toffee pudding. I also googled how to pronounce Vigge correctly. The authenticity of her language and writing style just brings more depth to her stories and their settings.
April 2, 2023
Oh man...
So I didn't have plans to read this one. 😳I wasn't a fan of Cato from previous books; however, I decided to give it a go. And surprisingly, or maybe not, I ended up loving Cato.
Vigge not so much.
While I understood why Vigge was the way he was, I wanted to throat punch him so many times🤬. I mean, for fucks sake, or is it for fuck's sake...anyway would it hurt him to open his mouth and speak at least a few words to Cato instead of being an asshole so many times? And the fact Cato forgave him each time. How many times did it have to happen before Cato said screw it, see ya? I grew so frustrated. Once, I understand. Twice, eh okay. But more than that? Forget it. And even the whole thing about the job.
One of my biggest pet peeves with characters is miscommunication. There's plenty of other shit going on we don't need that hanging over our heads too. I also wasn't a fan of the epilogue 😅
So while I absolutely LOVED Cato when I thought I wouldn't, this book as a whole wasn't my favorite.
So I didn't have plans to read this one. 😳I wasn't a fan of Cato from previous books; however, I decided to give it a go. And surprisingly, or maybe not, I ended up loving Cato.
Vigge not so much.
While I understood why Vigge was the way he was, I wanted to throat punch him so many times🤬. I mean, for fucks sake, or is it for fuck's sake...anyway would it hurt him to open his mouth and speak at least a few words to Cato instead of being an asshole so many times? And the fact Cato forgave him each time. How many times did it have to happen before Cato said screw it, see ya? I grew so frustrated. Once, I understand. Twice, eh okay. But more than that? Forget it. And even the whole thing about the job.
One of my biggest pet peeves with characters is miscommunication. There's plenty of other shit going on we don't need that hanging over our heads too. I also wasn't a fan of the epilogue 😅
So while I absolutely LOVED Cato when I thought I wouldn't, this book as a whole wasn't my favorite.
March 26, 2021
Lovely!
This was perfect! I was a bit lost in the beginning. I don’t remember much about Cato from previous books except that he’s an astrophysicist and Devan’s brother. So I didn’t quite understand when Max and Louise came in the picture at the beginning. Took me awhile to orient myself.
One thing I absolutely love about Barbara Elsborg books is the witty banter and the absolutely hilarious retorts. And Cato delivers that and more. He’s slightly different than Jonty in that Jonty’s lines are sometimes so random it’s a bit of a whiplash. Funny but slightly jarring. Cato’s are less jarring but no less funny. And all the talk of astrophysics was fascinating.
I can’t say I like Vigge very much at first. I can’t say I feel as though he’s redeemed himself in my eyes. He seems to be a bit emotionally stunted but counting his family background, I suppose it’s understandable.
As you can tell, I love the characters. I also do love the plot line. It’s exciting, it’s funny, it has elements of suspense. And most of all, it was delightful to peel back the layers of these 2 distinct characters. Loved it!! ❤️
This was perfect! I was a bit lost in the beginning. I don’t remember much about Cato from previous books except that he’s an astrophysicist and Devan’s brother. So I didn’t quite understand when Max and Louise came in the picture at the beginning. Took me awhile to orient myself.
One thing I absolutely love about Barbara Elsborg books is the witty banter and the absolutely hilarious retorts. And Cato delivers that and more. He’s slightly different than Jonty in that Jonty’s lines are sometimes so random it’s a bit of a whiplash. Funny but slightly jarring. Cato’s are less jarring but no less funny. And all the talk of astrophysics was fascinating.
I can’t say I like Vigge very much at first. I can’t say I feel as though he’s redeemed himself in my eyes. He seems to be a bit emotionally stunted but counting his family background, I suppose it’s understandable.
As you can tell, I love the characters. I also do love the plot line. It’s exciting, it’s funny, it has elements of suspense. And most of all, it was delightful to peel back the layers of these 2 distinct characters. Loved it!! ❤️
March 28, 2021
This book is not the same as the others
I’ve just finished and while I did like the book. I did not love it like I did the others.
Cato and Vigge were very well written characters BUT something was missing.
The push/pull of their relationship was a bit tedious.
The mysteries which the whole story revolves around were a bit off as well.
Great writing like always but just not my favorite, sadly the story just didn’t do it for me.
I’ve just finished and while I did like the book. I did not love it like I did the others.
Cato and Vigge were very well written characters BUT something was missing.
The push/pull of their relationship was a bit tedious.
The mysteries which the whole story revolves around were a bit off as well.
Great writing like always but just not my favorite, sadly the story just didn’t do it for me.
March 26, 2021
4.5 stars rounded up from me.
The romance between Cato [who I'm positive IS Jonty's twin 😉] and Vigge shifted between scorching hot and ice cold, thanks mainly to DI Vigge Sorenson who came with a shedload of baggage and guilt [and to be fair, deserved so much more than he'd gotten from his parents]. Cato, poor soul, never really knew where he stood until Vigge suddenly had to take a leap of faith and believe in what Cato was telling him. Great that the story mainly takes place in and around Cambridge, which I know fairly well, having worked there and living about 30 miles away.
I loved the catch-ups with Jonty and Devan [and no, Jonty didn't take over the story], the Smith family matriarch however not so much, she’s a snob and one of those well-known ruminants 🐮🐮 I occasionally write about. I also disliked Max and Louise intensely, and was very happy that Cato didn't fall for their bulls**t.
The romance between Cato [who I'm positive IS Jonty's twin 😉] and Vigge shifted between scorching hot and ice cold, thanks mainly to DI Vigge Sorenson who came with a shedload of baggage and guilt [and to be fair, deserved so much more than he'd gotten from his parents]. Cato, poor soul, never really knew where he stood until Vigge suddenly had to take a leap of faith and believe in what Cato was telling him. Great that the story mainly takes place in and around Cambridge, which I know fairly well, having worked there and living about 30 miles away.
I loved the catch-ups with Jonty and Devan [and no, Jonty didn't take over the story], the Smith family matriarch however not so much, she’s a snob and one of those well-known ruminants 🐮🐮 I occasionally write about. I also disliked Max and Louise intensely, and was very happy that Cato didn't fall for their bulls**t.
February 19, 2021
This book is the third in the Unfinished Business series, these books will stay with me forever, no doubt. This is Cato's story....
Why would you be unhappy if you are a highly accomplished person, if you are at the top of your field in Astrophysics, after all NASA is after you. If you have students at Cambridge that look up to you, and admire you. Also, you play the violin like a dream, and lead an orchestra, I mean, what more could you possibly want?...
Cato is lonely, he is bitter after his exes deceptions have left him feeling worthless...
He wants to be wanted, he wants to be loved...
So Cato makes a decision to reinvent himself, oh boy, if only he knew what was coming !...
Vigge is a no nonsense man, he works for the Metropolitan police as a detective. He has to hide his sexuality, so he buries himself in work. He comes from a pretty cold and uptight family and Danish background, so he is no joy, and lonely, of course.
Two very different men, unaware of the approaching tornado that will rip their lives apart...
There is a snow storm, with a lost priest..
Galaxies, stars and black matter...
Trapeze flying...
Creepy older man, hiding secrets...
Very long and very funny car journeys...
The sweetest, most perfect kisses....
Times where you will want to slap Vigge, and want to squeeze Cato in your arms.
But also there are lot's of heart pounding, scary moments, trying to figure out who is trying to harm Cato, who is committing those crimes, and what do they want with sweet Cato?
This is most definitely a very well researched book, so much background into Astrophysics and space. A beautifully written book, that allows the story to develop in unexpected ways, and leaves you breathless.
I am truly in awe of Barbara Elsborg's ability to write incredible stories with such an array of characters. This reader is well and truly satisfied....
Why would you be unhappy if you are a highly accomplished person, if you are at the top of your field in Astrophysics, after all NASA is after you. If you have students at Cambridge that look up to you, and admire you. Also, you play the violin like a dream, and lead an orchestra, I mean, what more could you possibly want?...
Cato is lonely, he is bitter after his exes deceptions have left him feeling worthless...
He wants to be wanted, he wants to be loved...
So Cato makes a decision to reinvent himself, oh boy, if only he knew what was coming !...
Vigge is a no nonsense man, he works for the Metropolitan police as a detective. He has to hide his sexuality, so he buries himself in work. He comes from a pretty cold and uptight family and Danish background, so he is no joy, and lonely, of course.
Two very different men, unaware of the approaching tornado that will rip their lives apart...
There is a snow storm, with a lost priest..
Galaxies, stars and black matter...
Trapeze flying...
Creepy older man, hiding secrets...
Very long and very funny car journeys...
The sweetest, most perfect kisses....
Times where you will want to slap Vigge, and want to squeeze Cato in your arms.
But also there are lot's of heart pounding, scary moments, trying to figure out who is trying to harm Cato, who is committing those crimes, and what do they want with sweet Cato?
This is most definitely a very well researched book, so much background into Astrophysics and space. A beautifully written book, that allows the story to develop in unexpected ways, and leaves you breathless.
I am truly in awe of Barbara Elsborg's ability to write incredible stories with such an array of characters. This reader is well and truly satisfied....
March 30, 2021
Two Jontys too many! I'm a huge fan of Barbara Elsborg, but this was not my favorite. About halfway through, when I realized where this was going, I really hoped it wouldn't go there because Oh! the coincidence was just too much. And it sure went there. I would have liked this better if Cato met Vigge at a police station because again...the coincidences were way out there and needed to be more grounded. I also needed Cato to be more different than Jonty because as much as Jonty popped up in here, I couldn't keep my brain from melding Cato and Jonty into the same character. I needed them to be two distinct characters and they really weren't and that was disappointing.
June 23, 2021
I skimmed. I found Cato boring, although he made some funny jokes. I liked Vigge but when the couple was together I started skimming. I just wanted to know whodunit.
Another flaw: in my opinion, when you write a series of books, you should avoud similarities between those books. I was annoyed Jonty and Cato both .
Another flaw: in my opinion, when you write a series of books, you should avoud similarities between those books. I was annoyed Jonty and Cato both .
October 26, 2021
3.5 stars
Very good, I liked Cato a lot (he was a Jonty clone after all as others have mentioned and Jonty is The Bomb!) and though Vigge acted like an @ss more often than not, he eventually saw the error of his ways and they had chemistry -and lovely banter- together.
However the mystery for some reason didn't make much sense to me; the way they turned in the right direction came out of the blue for me. And the trapeze date was awkward? Was it supposed to show something? And they ended up going for kayaking in the end, when Cato clearly wasn't a guy to enjoy extreme/intensive sports? Why not go to a concert together since they both loved music but had to copy Jonty and Devan in their hobbies?
I don't know. It was pretty good and I enjoyed reading it but there was something missing, which is why I put it down more than once.
Very good, I liked Cato a lot (he was a Jonty clone after all as others have mentioned and Jonty is The Bomb!) and though Vigge acted like an @ss more often than not, he eventually saw the error of his ways and they had chemistry -and lovely banter- together.
However the mystery for some reason didn't make much sense to me; the way they turned in the right direction came out of the blue for me. And the trapeze date was awkward? Was it supposed to show something? And they ended up going for kayaking in the end, when Cato clearly wasn't a guy to enjoy extreme/intensive sports? Why not go to a concert together since they both loved music but had to copy Jonty and Devan in their hobbies?
I don't know. It was pretty good and I enjoyed reading it but there was something missing, which is why I put it down more than once.
March 24, 2021
Barbara Elsborg has written yet another phenomenal story! Once again, it’s a terrific blend of suspense, romance and sarcastic wit. I actually think Cato gave Jonty quite a run for his money in becoming my favourite character. A bit broken, aching for love, and simply fascinating; the kind of character I could never get tired of. The story flows beautifully from start to finish and the development of Cato and Viggie’s relationship is perfectly paced. Viggie is a little push and pull since he has some hard-fought struggles with guilt over his past and his sexuality. They both find the unexpected in each other, and become so deeply emotionally connected that it’s beautiful in its intensity. As for the suspense element, it’s very well-done and slots perfectly into the narrative. I made a few guesses but the writing is extremely clever and I am glad to say, there were some surprises. I cannot recommend this series highly enough!
March 12, 2021
You are my world, my sun, my stars
wow. I have no words.
I LOVED it. I didn't think it was possible to like Cato's story more than Devan and Jonty's, but obviously I was wrong. This book is BRILLIANT.
This is not a simple, sweet romance. This is a wonderful mix of a crime, love, hate and friendship. There is soooo many difficult choices that Cato has to make before he can reach his HEA it is impossible to stop reading. Cato's life is a real roller-coaster with many complicated feelings, decisions and lots of past mistakes.
All characters here are pretty awesome, Cato is hilarious (and yes, he REALLY IS Jonty's evil twin), but Vigge is just as great. I LOVED them together (and not only because they are both sexy and there is a maddening sexual attraction between them).
I can't say how much I loved this book. I hope there will be more stories in the Unfinished business just so I can read more about Cato and Vigge :)
* I was gifted an ARC copy in exchange for an honest review *
wow. I have no words.
I LOVED it. I didn't think it was possible to like Cato's story more than Devan and Jonty's, but obviously I was wrong. This book is BRILLIANT.
This is not a simple, sweet romance. This is a wonderful mix of a crime, love, hate and friendship. There is soooo many difficult choices that Cato has to make before he can reach his HEA it is impossible to stop reading. Cato's life is a real roller-coaster with many complicated feelings, decisions and lots of past mistakes.
All characters here are pretty awesome, Cato is hilarious (and yes, he REALLY IS Jonty's evil twin), but Vigge is just as great. I LOVED them together (and not only because they are both sexy and there is a maddening sexual attraction between them).
I can't say how much I loved this book. I hope there will be more stories in the Unfinished business just so I can read more about Cato and Vigge :)
* I was gifted an ARC copy in exchange for an honest review *
July 13, 2023
Buddy read with the gals from Turning Pages At Midnight
While each book in the Unfinished Business Series, can be read as a standalone, but to prevent previous plots and storylines to get spoiled, they are best enjoyed when read in order:
April 23, 2021
This was very well done! I loved Cato in the previous books and his story did not disappoint. I also loved that Vigge was imperfect and that ending. Ugh. So cute ♡
March 24, 2021
4.5 Stars
“A policeman and an astrophysicist went into a bar and got into trouble.”
Reinventing Cato by Barbara Elsborg can be read as a standalone in a series, however, we rate every single book so highly we would recommend reading to get the full experience of the characters that pop up in every book. This Author once again managed to pair dramatic suspense with sarcasm and humour and tragedy with inspirational love. The way in which Barbara Elsborg blends fiction with realism is spot on and addictive. And on a side note, her intense need and craving for facts, be they relevant or obscure, well where is she when we need her for our online pub quiz? She’d be our ‘phone a friend’! We always know what to expect from this Author, and she never lets us down. The writing is flawless, the humour timeless and the storyline compelling. Her characters never fail to worm their way into our hearts, only to stay and find a forever home.
“Can I tell them you’re my psychiatrist?”
“Why not settle for boyfriend?”
“Did the word catch in your throat?” Cato asked.
“On the way from my heart?”
“Oh.” Cato smiled. “I think that might be the most romantic thing anyone has ever said to me.”
Reinventing Cato had mayhem and drama galore, it literally didn’t stop, and we were completely swept up in it, though we would’ve perhaps liked a bit more Cato and Vigge away from all the drama and heartbreak. Once again, it was a case of opposites attract and finding that one person who sees through the façade and emotionally spurs on personal realisations, dreams, and comfort. But most of all finding that soulmate love we all dream about who brings out the best in us that may be hidden or lying dormant. Oh, and we must mention once again the Devan and Jonty appearances which are just a breath of joyful fresh air, we know we’ve got a big wide perma-smile on our faces when they appear! Cato and Vigge have been added to our hearts for being so lovable, funny, eccentric, and just bloody wonderful. We highly recommend this series for lovers of mm romance with a penchant for murder, drama, and an abundance of twists and turns. Sprinkled with passion and laughter.
‘Vigge wrapped his arms around him. Cato clung to him so hard that Vigge’s heart felt as if it were trying to get out of his chest and climb into Cato’s to give it a hug.’
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May 20, 2022
I didn’t think I could love anyone as much as I love Jonty Bloom, but I do! I really do. I adore Cato and I adore Vigge.
There’s so much packed into this book and even though death threats and serial killers are not at all funny, this book is laugh out loud hilarious. Of course Jonty and Devan make appearances and, as always, Jonty’s antics had me in stitches.
Cato is stranded in Scotland following a fancy dress new year’s eve party because snow has grounded the planes. Vigge Sorensen was prepared for snow (must be his Danish genes) and had the foresight to book a hire car. Of course he’s going to take pity on the catholic priest (Cato is still wearing his fancy dress) in need of a ride to London. And so begins a beautiful relationship.
There will be harnesses and noisy blow jobs in club toilets. There will be dodgy housemates. There will be violins. There will be lost brothers. Oh and eel pie. Ex-thruples wanting some top class sperm donation from a Cambridge astrophysicist.
I just love how Barbara Elsborg writes her characters. I feel how much she loves them and it makes me love them too. They are warm, caring, funny and clever and they have big dicks too, oh and they know how to use them. Wink wink!
Every page is an adventure. 100% recommend this book.
There’s so much packed into this book and even though death threats and serial killers are not at all funny, this book is laugh out loud hilarious. Of course Jonty and Devan make appearances and, as always, Jonty’s antics had me in stitches.
Cato is stranded in Scotland following a fancy dress new year’s eve party because snow has grounded the planes. Vigge Sorensen was prepared for snow (must be his Danish genes) and had the foresight to book a hire car. Of course he’s going to take pity on the catholic priest (Cato is still wearing his fancy dress) in need of a ride to London. And so begins a beautiful relationship.
There will be harnesses and noisy blow jobs in club toilets. There will be dodgy housemates. There will be violins. There will be lost brothers. Oh and eel pie. Ex-thruples wanting some top class sperm donation from a Cambridge astrophysicist.
I just love how Barbara Elsborg writes her characters. I feel how much she loves them and it makes me love them too. They are warm, caring, funny and clever and they have big dicks too, oh and they know how to use them. Wink wink!
Every page is an adventure. 100% recommend this book.
March 28, 2021
Elsborg’s books just push all my happy buttons. Though nothing will match the delight that is Jonty Bloom, Cato and Vigge comes close. I loved their mutual prickliness, their facing of fears, their violin playing. It was great to see more of Jonty and Devan, and to see the bonds between the brothers. Vigge’s relationship with his sister, Gitte, was so warm — despite the tensions both men had with their families, they also had love.
The dual mysteries felt overdone, however. Either Vigge’s past loss or Cato’s current trauma would have been enough to keep the story moving, and to have both resolved as Cato and Vigge found their HEA was a bit much.
Definitely a 4+ read.
The dual mysteries felt overdone, however. Either Vigge’s past loss or Cato’s current trauma would have been enough to keep the story moving, and to have both resolved as Cato and Vigge found their HEA was a bit much.
Definitely a 4+ read.
April 2, 2021
3.5 stars!
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