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Hart Consulting #1
Sweet Hart
When Brayden stumbles into a covert operation, Sam has to keep him alive. Together they navigate their unexpected attraction and the world of the Ukrainian mafia.
Brayden Hart needs to find his older brother Mason and time is running out. Mason disappeared after being discharged from the military two years before. While on leave from the army, Bray follows a lead his friend has been able to find. When he knocks on the door of a dingy apartment outside Miami, the last person he expects to meet is the gorgeous but grumpy Sam Wheeler.
Sam denies knowing Bray's brother and turns him away. But Sam is Bray's only lead. Luckily, Bray's childhood friend is one of the best hackers in the country and helps Bray follow Sam to Ukraine.
In Kiev, Bray falls blindly into the fray of a covert operation and Sam steps in to keep him alive. While navigating the choppy waters of the Ukrainian mafia, Bray and Sam fall into the bedroom. But what happens when the mission ends?
Reader advisory: This book contains references to historical rape, child sexual abuse and sex trafficking. There are also scenes of violence.
Brayden Hart needs to find his older brother Mason and time is running out. Mason disappeared after being discharged from the military two years before. While on leave from the army, Bray follows a lead his friend has been able to find. When he knocks on the door of a dingy apartment outside Miami, the last person he expects to meet is the gorgeous but grumpy Sam Wheeler.
Sam denies knowing Bray's brother and turns him away. But Sam is Bray's only lead. Luckily, Bray's childhood friend is one of the best hackers in the country and helps Bray follow Sam to Ukraine.
In Kiev, Bray falls blindly into the fray of a covert operation and Sam steps in to keep him alive. While navigating the choppy waters of the Ukrainian mafia, Bray and Sam fall into the bedroom. But what happens when the mission ends?
Reader advisory: This book contains references to historical rape, child sexual abuse and sex trafficking. There are also scenes of violence.
240 pages, Kindle Edition
First published May 11, 2021
9 people are currently reading
170 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 97 reviews
May 11, 2021
For Sam, the guy Brayden is ‘the kid’. One day Bray stood on his doorstep asking if Sam knew where his older brother Mason is. The answer was negative.
Max aka Sin, IT specialist and Bray’s friend, is helping Bray following Sam all the way into Kiev.
Finding Sam again, standing between Ukrainian men, was surprising. With Ax running his playful mouth, Bray became Sam’s fake boyfriend.
From first sight, there was already an attraction and sexual tension between Sam and Bray.
Sam knows where Mason/Mase is, he can’t tell Bray.
The mission Sam is working on has to do with the Ukrainian mafia. A dangerous undercover operation. He can’t have Bray get involved. Bray has other plans.
Bray would’ve been nowhere without the brilliancy from Sin. I love this genius.
They end up in bed and gosh there are some delicious attractive encounters, appealingly detailed! Sam seems quite the dominant and Bray fits perfectly, the BDSM scenes were awesome!
Beside the two strong, vulnerable and lovable main characters there are awesome side characters who aren’t really just that, like Ax and Sin, made this narrative even more entertaining. The balance with playfulness, seriousness and suspense of this story was well done. There are also some delicate hurt comfort moments!
Excellently written story, with an exceptional plot, beautifully layered, greatly developed, and captivating as f*ck. Dang, I loved it all!
All the five for this strongly written narrative!
Highly recommended!
Max aka Sin, IT specialist and Bray’s friend, is helping Bray following Sam all the way into Kiev.
Finding Sam again, standing between Ukrainian men, was surprising. With Ax running his playful mouth, Bray became Sam’s fake boyfriend.
From first sight, there was already an attraction and sexual tension between Sam and Bray.
Sam knows where Mason/Mase is, he can’t tell Bray.
The mission Sam is working on has to do with the Ukrainian mafia. A dangerous undercover operation. He can’t have Bray get involved. Bray has other plans.
Bray would’ve been nowhere without the brilliancy from Sin. I love this genius.
They end up in bed and gosh there are some delicious attractive encounters, appealingly detailed! Sam seems quite the dominant and Bray fits perfectly, the BDSM scenes were awesome!
Beside the two strong, vulnerable and lovable main characters there are awesome side characters who aren’t really just that, like Ax and Sin, made this narrative even more entertaining. The balance with playfulness, seriousness and suspense of this story was well done. There are also some delicate hurt comfort moments!
Excellently written story, with an exceptional plot, beautifully layered, greatly developed, and captivating as f*ck. Dang, I loved it all!
All the five for this strongly written narrative!
Highly recommended!
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June 5, 2021DNF @13%
I thought this book is for me, but it seems not.
Couldn't get into the story at all. It's boring, no romance happening, no connections between the characters, just flat and dry pages. It might be early to say these things after reading 13% of the book, but I just can't.
Probably a wrong time for me to read this and at other time it would be a different feeling, but now just no.
I thought this book is for me, but it seems not.
Couldn't get into the story at all. It's boring, no romance happening, no connections between the characters, just flat and dry pages. It might be early to say these things after reading 13% of the book, but I just can't.
Probably a wrong time for me to read this and at other time it would be a different feeling, but now just no.
April 13, 2021
Oh man this book is good. When bray was trying to locate his brother the fist person Sam and from first glance there was a connection but still no brother. BRAY was not giving up so when he gets tangled in an op he really makes thing nuclear.
January 17, 2022
RTC but damn the kink in this book, I really enjoyed that part of the book and I really liked the sex scenes in the book. There just was some actions the characters made that just weren’t my favourite thing in the world and I felt like the book started a lot of plotlines but didn’t finish a lot of them, which kind of pulled me out at some point. But i’m assuming that the rest of the series will answer some of my questions, so i’m glad for that.
I received a copy of this book, and this is my honest review.
I received a copy of this book, and this is my honest review.
April 23, 2021
Bray and Sam, quite a pair. Bray just wants to find his brother and Sam just wants to get through his current op in one piece. Then Bray wants to find his brother and just plain wants Sam. The feeling are returned, but Sam knows it’s a bad idea, very bad.
This is an action book (with not to much action), a romance (with a side of kink), a buddy story (with multiple buddies), a dash of comedy, (and my favorite) family found.
I liked the story, it felt (in places) that there too many characters to keep track of. Like the author was creating fodder for future books perhaps.
Overall I liked the writing and the story.
Review Copy requested and reviewed on behalf of OMGReads.
This is an action book (with not to much action), a romance (with a side of kink), a buddy story (with multiple buddies), a dash of comedy, (and my favorite) family found.
I liked the story, it felt (in places) that there too many characters to keep track of. Like the author was creating fodder for future books perhaps.
Overall I liked the writing and the story.
Review Copy requested and reviewed on behalf of OMGReads.
May 9, 2021
Wow. It’s a spy story. Wait, it’s military. Nope, fake boyfriends! It’s all of those, and so much fun. Sam tries to be all gruff. Bray is all sunshine and determination. And when they start playing with kink? Bring something to fan yourself with.
It was good to see the brothers brought back together. Also good to see Sam overcome his demons.
Seriously, it’s a great start for a new series. There’s so much potential! I can’t wait to see if they continue to go after the same bad guys!
It was good to see the brothers brought back together. Also good to see Sam overcome his demons.
Seriously, it’s a great start for a new series. There’s so much potential! I can’t wait to see if they continue to go after the same bad guys!
June 2, 2021
Listen! I’m in this for the spice! If I read a ADULT Gay Romance novel, I want the hot and steamy, gettin’ dirty, fun and freaky time! Did this give me that? Yes, Ma’am!
While I loved some bits, there was a LOT going on. It felt like a beginning of a series, which is what it is. A lot of setup to be continued and explained later on. Which is great when I REALLY LOVE it! Did I love it? Not as much as I was hoping. But maybe book 2 will be more my jam. We shall see!!
While I loved some bits, there was a LOT going on. It felt like a beginning of a series, which is what it is. A lot of setup to be continued and explained later on. Which is great when I REALLY LOVE it! Did I love it? Not as much as I was hoping. But maybe book 2 will be more my jam. We shall see!!
December 24, 2021
amazing and sexy... this was so much fun.. action packed and curious.. kept me on edge and wanting more.
May 12, 2021
I received a free copy to read and review for Wicked Reads
This book had a lot going on. I am sure it was to build the universe for the series. There are multiple characters and then a storyline that didn't really get wrapped up so I am going to assume it will continue in another book in the series. Sam and Bray have mega chemistry, so hot. But Sam was in the military and seems like he forgot everything he learned while serving. This book was good but I wasn't a favorite of mine.
This book had a lot going on. I am sure it was to build the universe for the series. There are multiple characters and then a storyline that didn't really get wrapped up so I am going to assume it will continue in another book in the series. Sam and Bray have mega chemistry, so hot. But Sam was in the military and seems like he forgot everything he learned while serving. This book was good but I wasn't a favorite of mine.
May 25, 2021
A Joyfully Jay review.
3.5 stars
Sweet Hart is the first book in Rae Marks’ Hart Consulting series. There is a fun set up here with Brayden tracking down his missing brother and sort of stumbling into the middle of a covert operation. The pace is high at the start as we jump right into the middle of things and see Bray determined to find Mase, and ending up in some high stakes maneuvers as they all try to stay ahead of the bad guys. There are some nice thrills here early on and it sets up a fun fake relationship, forced proximity type situation as Bray gets inadvertently caught up in the middle of the case. Sam and Bray have nice chemistry together, especially as they explore some very mild Dom/sub type dynamics. There is also a sort of found family/brotherhood connection among Sam and his team, and it seems a nice set up for the rest of the series.
Unfortunately, this book sort of lost steam for me partway through and, when I was done, I was left feeling like the story didn’t really come together and there were just way too many holes.
Read Jay’s review in its entirety here.
3.5 stars
Sweet Hart is the first book in Rae Marks’ Hart Consulting series. There is a fun set up here with Brayden tracking down his missing brother and sort of stumbling into the middle of a covert operation. The pace is high at the start as we jump right into the middle of things and see Bray determined to find Mase, and ending up in some high stakes maneuvers as they all try to stay ahead of the bad guys. There are some nice thrills here early on and it sets up a fun fake relationship, forced proximity type situation as Bray gets inadvertently caught up in the middle of the case. Sam and Bray have nice chemistry together, especially as they explore some very mild Dom/sub type dynamics. There is also a sort of found family/brotherhood connection among Sam and his team, and it seems a nice set up for the rest of the series.
Unfortunately, this book sort of lost steam for me partway through and, when I was done, I was left feeling like the story didn’t really come together and there were just way too many holes.
Read Jay’s review in its entirety here.
August 27, 2021
This review and much more can be found at Love Bytes Reviews
Brayden Hart is desperate to find his brother Mason. Mason has been on radio silence from his family after he left and joined the military. Brayden has joined the military after college as well, but after Mason was discharged, the trail went completely cold. Brayden does have a friend who is able to track a potential connection to Mason. Brayden goes to Miami to plead with this guy, Sam, to at least get a message to Mason that it’s a life or death matter. But Sam claims he knows nothing and sends Brayden on his way.
Bray knows that Sam is lying to him and so he follows Sam to Kiev – again thanks to his connection. But he’s completely over his head when he tried to follow Sam from the airport and has a series of missteps. Then an off the cuff remark from Sam’s partner Ax makes Sam’s business associates think that Bray is Sam’s boyfriend. So now he will have to play the part in order to get any information on his brother. But he’s OK with that because Sam is hot and definitely his type as it turns out. However, Bray takes another risk and ends up in trouble again and Sam has to rescue him.
After Bray is back in safe hands, their posing as boyfriends leads to actual sex. And then things get a bit messier. Bray is worried he’s developing feelings for Sam and he’s still desperate to talk to his brother. Mason isn’t exactly thrilled that Sam has his little brother posing as his boyfriend but realizes that there was no choice after Brayden waltzed into the middle of their operation. And Sam vows that he’ll get Brayden out of there and back to the States as quickly as possible.
Of course nothing goes smoothly. Brayden is missing again and it turns out his mysterious connection is the guy who can help Sam find him. When Sam and Ax and Mason recover Brayden, things are not looking good. Their op has gone a bit sideways and they are trying to figure out how to keep Brayden under wraps until he can get out of the country. Again he doesn’t take no for an answer and ends up injured again for his troubles. But the team is impressed with his ability to think on his feet. Even though he’s sent home and he’s reunited with his family, he can’t help thinking about Sam and what might be.
This appears to be a debut novel by this author. The books contains a few tropes – forced proximity, fake boyfriends and D/s relationship. There is a lot of action and though I felt like I was kind of dropped into the middle of a movie at the beginning, after Sam and Brayden are forced together in Kiev I got a bit more into the story. There is plenty of backstory for both men – family stuff mostly and also mixed up with the homophobia they’ve dealt with. I was a little surprised by their quick turn from playing their parts to actually having sex, but they were under a lot of pressure and already attracted, so it didn’t take much of a match to light the fire. There are a lot of unanswered questions and not much is tied up too neatly with a bow in this – including the ongoing operation that Sam and Mason are part of. There are also a LOT of hints dropped about the other guys on the team. Ax obviously has a backstory that is driving his participation in Hart Consulting. Nick, Brayden’s brother also has something going on and he’s not too trusting of anyone. And of course their is Mason story which is only hinted at in the broadest terms. I’m assuming these are set ups for future books in the series. Overall this is a really good first book and I’m looking forward to seeing what else is coming in this series. Recommended particularly for fans of these tropes and those who like covert ops/ex-military storiies.
Brayden Hart is desperate to find his brother Mason. Mason has been on radio silence from his family after he left and joined the military. Brayden has joined the military after college as well, but after Mason was discharged, the trail went completely cold. Brayden does have a friend who is able to track a potential connection to Mason. Brayden goes to Miami to plead with this guy, Sam, to at least get a message to Mason that it’s a life or death matter. But Sam claims he knows nothing and sends Brayden on his way.
Bray knows that Sam is lying to him and so he follows Sam to Kiev – again thanks to his connection. But he’s completely over his head when he tried to follow Sam from the airport and has a series of missteps. Then an off the cuff remark from Sam’s partner Ax makes Sam’s business associates think that Bray is Sam’s boyfriend. So now he will have to play the part in order to get any information on his brother. But he’s OK with that because Sam is hot and definitely his type as it turns out. However, Bray takes another risk and ends up in trouble again and Sam has to rescue him.
After Bray is back in safe hands, their posing as boyfriends leads to actual sex. And then things get a bit messier. Bray is worried he’s developing feelings for Sam and he’s still desperate to talk to his brother. Mason isn’t exactly thrilled that Sam has his little brother posing as his boyfriend but realizes that there was no choice after Brayden waltzed into the middle of their operation. And Sam vows that he’ll get Brayden out of there and back to the States as quickly as possible.
Of course nothing goes smoothly. Brayden is missing again and it turns out his mysterious connection is the guy who can help Sam find him. When Sam and Ax and Mason recover Brayden, things are not looking good. Their op has gone a bit sideways and they are trying to figure out how to keep Brayden under wraps until he can get out of the country. Again he doesn’t take no for an answer and ends up injured again for his troubles. But the team is impressed with his ability to think on his feet. Even though he’s sent home and he’s reunited with his family, he can’t help thinking about Sam and what might be.
This appears to be a debut novel by this author. The books contains a few tropes – forced proximity, fake boyfriends and D/s relationship. There is a lot of action and though I felt like I was kind of dropped into the middle of a movie at the beginning, after Sam and Brayden are forced together in Kiev I got a bit more into the story. There is plenty of backstory for both men – family stuff mostly and also mixed up with the homophobia they’ve dealt with. I was a little surprised by their quick turn from playing their parts to actually having sex, but they were under a lot of pressure and already attracted, so it didn’t take much of a match to light the fire. There are a lot of unanswered questions and not much is tied up too neatly with a bow in this – including the ongoing operation that Sam and Mason are part of. There are also a LOT of hints dropped about the other guys on the team. Ax obviously has a backstory that is driving his participation in Hart Consulting. Nick, Brayden’s brother also has something going on and he’s not too trusting of anyone. And of course their is Mason story which is only hinted at in the broadest terms. I’m assuming these are set ups for future books in the series. Overall this is a really good first book and I’m looking forward to seeing what else is coming in this series. Recommended particularly for fans of these tropes and those who like covert ops/ex-military storiies.
April 23, 2021
I received an arc of Sweet Heart from Book Sirens in return for an honest review.
I gave this book a 4.25 star rating.
Brayden Hart, a army soldier on leave, is looking for his brother. Mason Hart disappeared years earlier after being discharged from the military. Brayden (Bray) is tenacious and driven to reunite with the family he lost more than 17 years ago. When his search leads him to a man named Sam Wheeler, Bray will stop at nothing to find the link between Sam and Mason hoping he could finally, at least, talk to his brother. The first problem is Sam denies knowing Mason. The second problem is Bray is instantly attracted to brooding man.
With the help of his genius friend Sin, Bray tracks Sam to the Ukraine where he inadvertently falls head first into a covert operation that could end up costing him his heart and life.
What this story did right was pulling us into the middle of a two year covert operation whose players ride the line of life and death with every move they make. Bray, not only stumbles into the middle of the operation, but also ends up becoming part of it to save the mission, his own ass, as well as the lives of the team working the case.
Our core group of characters are Ax, Sam, Bray, and Sin. Their banter and on page presence allows us to get to know the characters just by their current reactions and back and forth as well as those things alluded to but never really brought to the page. The mafia, aspect is good and helps move the story forward with real consequences. The on page hotness of the fire that burns between Sam and Bray is explosive and the connection they form is undeniable to everyone except them. Sam's character is one you are supposed to hate because of his ability to be a giant ass at the drop of a hat, but you can see the loving and needing part of him that endears the reader to him immediately.
The cons...Bray is supposed to be a soldier. He's seen action and been injured but the way he bumbles around sometimes came off a little over done. Like the training he would have had to have to pull off some of the things he said he did in the army were never taught to him. As the story progresses we do see him get out of situations, but generally only by luck or someone else helping him along. There were some glaring grammatical errors that immediately pulled me out of the story so fast that it gave me whiplash, there was only a handful, which is why it was probably so jarring. The last con is why this got a 4.25 stars instead of a 5 star, the ending. Not the end, ending, but the lead up to the ending. We have all this heart pounding end to Bray's time in the Ukraine and then it is chapter after chapter of meandering.
I ultimately like where the story ended, but I think the high stakes, life or death scenarios, peaked too soon. All in all, I really liked this story and the characters and already can see where the next books in the series will go and who they will likely follow and you can count me in as a fan ready to digest more within the Hart world.
I gave this book a 4.25 star rating.
Brayden Hart, a army soldier on leave, is looking for his brother. Mason Hart disappeared years earlier after being discharged from the military. Brayden (Bray) is tenacious and driven to reunite with the family he lost more than 17 years ago. When his search leads him to a man named Sam Wheeler, Bray will stop at nothing to find the link between Sam and Mason hoping he could finally, at least, talk to his brother. The first problem is Sam denies knowing Mason. The second problem is Bray is instantly attracted to brooding man.
With the help of his genius friend Sin, Bray tracks Sam to the Ukraine where he inadvertently falls head first into a covert operation that could end up costing him his heart and life.
What this story did right was pulling us into the middle of a two year covert operation whose players ride the line of life and death with every move they make. Bray, not only stumbles into the middle of the operation, but also ends up becoming part of it to save the mission, his own ass, as well as the lives of the team working the case.
Our core group of characters are Ax, Sam, Bray, and Sin. Their banter and on page presence allows us to get to know the characters just by their current reactions and back and forth as well as those things alluded to but never really brought to the page. The mafia, aspect is good and helps move the story forward with real consequences. The on page hotness of the fire that burns between Sam and Bray is explosive and the connection they form is undeniable to everyone except them. Sam's character is one you are supposed to hate because of his ability to be a giant ass at the drop of a hat, but you can see the loving and needing part of him that endears the reader to him immediately.
The cons...Bray is supposed to be a soldier. He's seen action and been injured but the way he bumbles around sometimes came off a little over done. Like the training he would have had to have to pull off some of the things he said he did in the army were never taught to him. As the story progresses we do see him get out of situations, but generally only by luck or someone else helping him along. There were some glaring grammatical errors that immediately pulled me out of the story so fast that it gave me whiplash, there was only a handful, which is why it was probably so jarring. The last con is why this got a 4.25 stars instead of a 5 star, the ending. Not the end, ending, but the lead up to the ending. We have all this heart pounding end to Bray's time in the Ukraine and then it is chapter after chapter of meandering.
I ultimately like where the story ended, but I think the high stakes, life or death scenarios, peaked too soon. All in all, I really liked this story and the characters and already can see where the next books in the series will go and who they will likely follow and you can count me in as a fan ready to digest more within the Hart world.
May 13, 2021
It appears this is this author's first book, but if it is, I'm gonna take my socks off and eat them. Maybe they've written under a different pen name, because the plotline is too structured and the writing too fluid, everything simply too on point for Sweet Hart to be Rae Marks's debut novel.
Immediately gripping is the best way to describe it. It began with Brayden knocking at a run-down apartment's door, hoping that whoever opened it had answers about his brother's Mase location. Well, he didn't get any answers, but he met Sam, the most infuriating and sexiest man ever, and also the one who Brayden knew for a fact withheld information on Mase's whereabouts. Brayden wouldn't have anything or anyone stand in his way, even if that meant following Sam to Kiev and straight in the middle of covert operation set up to infiltrate an international trafficking organization.
Things moved fast after Brayden set foot in Kiev and it all happened in a rapid sequence of events. A fake relationship between Brayden and Sam, shootings, danger, surprising shifting alliances, scheming, undercover agents, action. Brayden was taken hostage and shot a couple of times, Sam and his men had to thread water carefully with the gang leaders ... I never knew what would happen as I turned the pages and it was beyond exciting.
Brayden and Sam had each other to, let's say, relief some of the tension lol. They took full advantage of having to fake a relationship and their initial instant attraction transformed into some pretty darn hot sex scenes with a dash of kink dynamic. Acting on their chemistry was the easy part for them, because they showed that under the trained military toughness they hid vulnerabilities that actually blocked them from admitting the strong emotional connection that both slowly started to feel. I loved them together, although I often got irritated at Brayden when he took decisions that risked everyone's lives, or at Sam's stubbornness, but it only got me more invested in their fight for survival and their relationship.
As a whole, Sweet Hart was a thrilling mix bag of romance, secret op, mafia and action. At its core, though, it was a book about family. The found one that Sam, Mase and their group of misfits built for each other, and Brayden's troubled one. Each had their own problems and ways to show emotions, but the bond that united their members was strong. Two different kind of families that met, often clashed and eventually mixed. Brayden and Sam as a couple, and Mase, kind of linked them in this book and maybe Nick, Brayden's twin, will too next in the series. I'm definitely enamoured with this group of men and their different personalities, and I'm looking forward to reading all their future stories.
AND... debut novel or not - still convinced it's not- congrats to Rae Marks for having written an awesome, intense, emotional, steamy, romantic, fast paced and thrilling book.
Immediately gripping is the best way to describe it. It began with Brayden knocking at a run-down apartment's door, hoping that whoever opened it had answers about his brother's Mase location. Well, he didn't get any answers, but he met Sam, the most infuriating and sexiest man ever, and also the one who Brayden knew for a fact withheld information on Mase's whereabouts. Brayden wouldn't have anything or anyone stand in his way, even if that meant following Sam to Kiev and straight in the middle of covert operation set up to infiltrate an international trafficking organization.
Things moved fast after Brayden set foot in Kiev and it all happened in a rapid sequence of events. A fake relationship between Brayden and Sam, shootings, danger, surprising shifting alliances, scheming, undercover agents, action. Brayden was taken hostage and shot a couple of times, Sam and his men had to thread water carefully with the gang leaders ... I never knew what would happen as I turned the pages and it was beyond exciting.
Brayden and Sam had each other to, let's say, relief some of the tension lol. They took full advantage of having to fake a relationship and their initial instant attraction transformed into some pretty darn hot sex scenes with a dash of kink dynamic. Acting on their chemistry was the easy part for them, because they showed that under the trained military toughness they hid vulnerabilities that actually blocked them from admitting the strong emotional connection that both slowly started to feel. I loved them together, although I often got irritated at Brayden when he took decisions that risked everyone's lives, or at Sam's stubbornness, but it only got me more invested in their fight for survival and their relationship.
As a whole, Sweet Hart was a thrilling mix bag of romance, secret op, mafia and action. At its core, though, it was a book about family. The found one that Sam, Mase and their group of misfits built for each other, and Brayden's troubled one. Each had their own problems and ways to show emotions, but the bond that united their members was strong. Two different kind of families that met, often clashed and eventually mixed. Brayden and Sam as a couple, and Mase, kind of linked them in this book and maybe Nick, Brayden's twin, will too next in the series. I'm definitely enamoured with this group of men and their different personalities, and I'm looking forward to reading all their future stories.
AND... debut novel or not - still convinced it's not- congrats to Rae Marks for having written an awesome, intense, emotional, steamy, romantic, fast paced and thrilling book.
May 17, 2021
Broken families and chosen ones
A great start to a new military romance series!
Bray has been looking for his older brother for years, ever since their father kicked him out of the family for being gay. Bray followed his brother's footsteps into the military but found out he had been charged and removed, and has now followed him into a shady situation with the mafia. Desperate to find his brother with time ticking down, Bray approaches Sam, a man connected to his brother, and confronts him. Unknowingly this connects Sam and Bray while on an undercover op, and Bray finds himself thrown into the odd world his brother has chosen.
This story had the potential to make any relationship between Sam and Bray really uncomfortable and based on a potential amount of situational coercion. After all, the two had to take being boyfriends and were being monitored, so there is an element of concern that they will be forced to have sex for the cover with no choice. Instead it was setup very well, where the cover did indeed call for them to pretend to be involved, when behind closed doors they could Eastlake any further intimacy. All choices about going further were their own and didn't involve pressure about safety or situation, which was very well done.
Learning about Bray and Sam's past opens things up in this world and is integral to the course of this story so you can't say too much without giving away the whole story. Needless to say, the fact that Mase was kicked out for being gay is the core of the problem, but there turns out to be so much more than just that. The complicated situation of that family and all the changes that have happened since Mase left, along with the course of Bray's life following him and even of Sam's own childhood are important for where they are today and who they are. It was a slowly unfolding story with each person affected in different ways and making for a well woven read.
While there is plenty of world building done here, most of the book takes place out on the undercover operation. There was time taken after the fact and a good building of the story for Bray and Sam, but it doesn't tell much about Hart Consulting. There is clearly more to the story, from the dishonorable discharge that Mase had to the creation of the company. There are plenty of interesting characters working at this company and clearly plenty more jobs they are involved in. There is plenty of promise in this story to continue building the world and creating a really great series moving forward!
A great start to a new military romance series!
Bray has been looking for his older brother for years, ever since their father kicked him out of the family for being gay. Bray followed his brother's footsteps into the military but found out he had been charged and removed, and has now followed him into a shady situation with the mafia. Desperate to find his brother with time ticking down, Bray approaches Sam, a man connected to his brother, and confronts him. Unknowingly this connects Sam and Bray while on an undercover op, and Bray finds himself thrown into the odd world his brother has chosen.
This story had the potential to make any relationship between Sam and Bray really uncomfortable and based on a potential amount of situational coercion. After all, the two had to take being boyfriends and were being monitored, so there is an element of concern that they will be forced to have sex for the cover with no choice. Instead it was setup very well, where the cover did indeed call for them to pretend to be involved, when behind closed doors they could Eastlake any further intimacy. All choices about going further were their own and didn't involve pressure about safety or situation, which was very well done.
Learning about Bray and Sam's past opens things up in this world and is integral to the course of this story so you can't say too much without giving away the whole story. Needless to say, the fact that Mase was kicked out for being gay is the core of the problem, but there turns out to be so much more than just that. The complicated situation of that family and all the changes that have happened since Mase left, along with the course of Bray's life following him and even of Sam's own childhood are important for where they are today and who they are. It was a slowly unfolding story with each person affected in different ways and making for a well woven read.
While there is plenty of world building done here, most of the book takes place out on the undercover operation. There was time taken after the fact and a good building of the story for Bray and Sam, but it doesn't tell much about Hart Consulting. There is clearly more to the story, from the dishonorable discharge that Mase had to the creation of the company. There are plenty of interesting characters working at this company and clearly plenty more jobs they are involved in. There is plenty of promise in this story to continue building the world and creating a really great series moving forward!
May 12, 2021
Never give up
Brayden needed to get in touch with his brother who he hadn’t seen in 19 years. He had no idea of where he was, he knew it was going to be an ordeal to get in touch with him. Thankfully with the help of Sin his friend he manages to find somebody who he thinks knows Mason. But when he knocks on the door and sees a man behind it the attraction is instant.
Sam can’t believe the hottie that he has just open the door to be Mason’s younger brother. The only problem was Mase was on a undercover mission and there was no way to get a message to him. Sam really want to help but he knew he couldn’t but he couldn’t get his mind off the young man who came to the door. Sam needs to get his head on straight for the mission. As they make their way to Kiev who would be there but Brayden.
When Sam met with some of his contacts one of his colleagues stupidly said oh your boyfriends found you. Meaning Brayden! the only problem is in Kiev being a homosexual isn’t really excepted so Sam knew he was in trouble but he had to go along with it now and get Brayden to play along. This was a dangerous mission that took years of work and now his friends younger brother has been put right in the middle. Would Sam be able to keep his hands off Braden when his attraction to him was so strong??
This is the first book that I’ve read by Rae Marks and I will tell you right now it’s not gonna be the last I thoroughly enjoyed her style of writing. It was fast pace and the attraction, the passion and the chemistry was out of this world. My heart goes out for both men for totally different reasons. I totally enjoyed this book and cannot wait for the next one which I hope involves a nickel.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Brayden needed to get in touch with his brother who he hadn’t seen in 19 years. He had no idea of where he was, he knew it was going to be an ordeal to get in touch with him. Thankfully with the help of Sin his friend he manages to find somebody who he thinks knows Mason. But when he knocks on the door and sees a man behind it the attraction is instant.
Sam can’t believe the hottie that he has just open the door to be Mason’s younger brother. The only problem was Mase was on a undercover mission and there was no way to get a message to him. Sam really want to help but he knew he couldn’t but he couldn’t get his mind off the young man who came to the door. Sam needs to get his head on straight for the mission. As they make their way to Kiev who would be there but Brayden.
When Sam met with some of his contacts one of his colleagues stupidly said oh your boyfriends found you. Meaning Brayden! the only problem is in Kiev being a homosexual isn’t really excepted so Sam knew he was in trouble but he had to go along with it now and get Brayden to play along. This was a dangerous mission that took years of work and now his friends younger brother has been put right in the middle. Would Sam be able to keep his hands off Braden when his attraction to him was so strong??
This is the first book that I’ve read by Rae Marks and I will tell you right now it’s not gonna be the last I thoroughly enjoyed her style of writing. It was fast pace and the attraction, the passion and the chemistry was out of this world. My heart goes out for both men for totally different reasons. I totally enjoyed this book and cannot wait for the next one which I hope involves a nickel.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
May 11, 2021
4 Stars
I really enjoyed this one, it sucked me in early. The storyline was engaging and moved along a good pace to keep me reading well past the time I should have stopped for the day.
I loved Bray, even though I felt like he was a bit too nice and had a kind of innocence to him that I wouldn't expect from a soldier who had been to war and killed people. I enjoyed seeing him navigate his way through the new BDSM aspects of their coupling. He was so honest in what he wanted and so open in his reactions. I also enjoyed the way he went above and beyond to try and contact his brother who hadn't spoken to him in years. If he had just given up I wouldn't have blamed him, but he kept going and even after speaking to him joined the consultancy firm to try and spend time getting to know him again.
Sam was also a good character and a good match for Bray. He was gruff and closed off which worked well with Bray's openness. I enjoyed that he was prepared to work through his past with Bray and didn't just shut the door on it. I also liked that he messed up and knew it, realized it early and went about fixing it.
The setup of the fake boyfriend allowed them to progress the relationship physically but also gave them no chance to actually communicate and work out where the other was. This did create a little confusion and distance when a simple conversation would and did clear it up.
I very much enjoyed the secondary characters, the banter between the guys worked well and showed their deep friendships and loyalty. I can't wait to read more from this series.
*** ARC of this book was provided by GRR Reviews - This is my honest and voluntary review***
I really enjoyed this one, it sucked me in early. The storyline was engaging and moved along a good pace to keep me reading well past the time I should have stopped for the day.
I loved Bray, even though I felt like he was a bit too nice and had a kind of innocence to him that I wouldn't expect from a soldier who had been to war and killed people. I enjoyed seeing him navigate his way through the new BDSM aspects of their coupling. He was so honest in what he wanted and so open in his reactions. I also enjoyed the way he went above and beyond to try and contact his brother who hadn't spoken to him in years. If he had just given up I wouldn't have blamed him, but he kept going and even after speaking to him joined the consultancy firm to try and spend time getting to know him again.
Sam was also a good character and a good match for Bray. He was gruff and closed off which worked well with Bray's openness. I enjoyed that he was prepared to work through his past with Bray and didn't just shut the door on it. I also liked that he messed up and knew it, realized it early and went about fixing it.
The setup of the fake boyfriend allowed them to progress the relationship physically but also gave them no chance to actually communicate and work out where the other was. This did create a little confusion and distance when a simple conversation would and did clear it up.
I very much enjoyed the secondary characters, the banter between the guys worked well and showed their deep friendships and loyalty. I can't wait to read more from this series.
*** ARC of this book was provided by GRR Reviews - This is my honest and voluntary review***
May 12, 2021
Action-Packed and Steamy M/M Romance
In Book 1 of Rae Marks’s new Hart Consulting series, “Sweet Hart,” we meet soldier Brayden Hart as he dives into a dangerous situation involving the Ukrainian mafia in an effort to locate his estranged older brother. What he doesn’t expect is the instant attraction he feels with former Army Ranger Samson Fletcher, a man who is more than a decade older than him and who also happens to be big brother Mason’s best friend. Their chemistry is off-the-charts hot and steamy, and the journey toward their HEA is hard-fought yet touchingly sweet. The story has amazing action and intrigue, well-developed characters, and a haunting backstory. I adore the whole cast of characters – especially Ax, a Hart Consulting operative who brings so much humor and sweetness to cut through the tension woven into the story. My only criticism would be that there were times that the story felt like it was a second or third book in a series with all of the veiled references to other characters’ backstories. You know that feeling where you walk into a conversation, and you can’t keep up because you’re missing critical information, or you don’t understand the inside joke and feel left out? Yeah, that’s how it feels. I totally see that Marks is setting up backstory for future books in the series, but it almost seems like the it is too much information and yet not enough to make sense at the same time. With that said, however, I genuinely enjoyed the first book and look forward to the release of the next one!
In Book 1 of Rae Marks’s new Hart Consulting series, “Sweet Hart,” we meet soldier Brayden Hart as he dives into a dangerous situation involving the Ukrainian mafia in an effort to locate his estranged older brother. What he doesn’t expect is the instant attraction he feels with former Army Ranger Samson Fletcher, a man who is more than a decade older than him and who also happens to be big brother Mason’s best friend. Their chemistry is off-the-charts hot and steamy, and the journey toward their HEA is hard-fought yet touchingly sweet. The story has amazing action and intrigue, well-developed characters, and a haunting backstory. I adore the whole cast of characters – especially Ax, a Hart Consulting operative who brings so much humor and sweetness to cut through the tension woven into the story. My only criticism would be that there were times that the story felt like it was a second or third book in a series with all of the veiled references to other characters’ backstories. You know that feeling where you walk into a conversation, and you can’t keep up because you’re missing critical information, or you don’t understand the inside joke and feel left out? Yeah, that’s how it feels. I totally see that Marks is setting up backstory for future books in the series, but it almost seems like the it is too much information and yet not enough to make sense at the same time. With that said, however, I genuinely enjoyed the first book and look forward to the release of the next one!
May 12, 2021
4.5 stars
Things I liked about this novel:
The physical chemistry between Brayden (Bray) and Sam. Their dynamic together is, from the first scene to the epilogue, super hot.
The camaraderie in the organization of black ops? Government contractors? (it’s nebulous, but basically, group of ex-military and other people with “special skills” who spend a lot of time undercover for vaguely law-enforcement type reasons) that Sam works for and Bray crash lands into-- I might not understand what these guys actually do, how they’re organized, or why it seems like a good idea to them to do things like leave vulnerable potential hostages in the heart of enemy compounds, but they have definitely nailed the witty banter, and I can’t wait to see Ax’s story, because he’s my favorite.
Overall, this is a fun read. I wasn’t always as invested in the emotional connections between Sam and Bray, which tend to be a bit all over the place, as I could have been, and neither Bray’s instalove nor Sam’s “I have feelings so I’m going to be a major jerk about it” routine were super sympathetic. Points to Sam’s coworkers, however, for pointing out his bad behavior, and to the author for the respectful depiction and handling of some of Sam’s issues around intimacy, physical and otherwise. Bottom line: there’s a lot going for this book-- there’s drama, there are feelings, there’s danger, steam, and intrigue, and I would happily read more stories set in this world.
*I received an ARC of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Things I liked about this novel:
The physical chemistry between Brayden (Bray) and Sam. Their dynamic together is, from the first scene to the epilogue, super hot.
The camaraderie in the organization of black ops? Government contractors? (it’s nebulous, but basically, group of ex-military and other people with “special skills” who spend a lot of time undercover for vaguely law-enforcement type reasons) that Sam works for and Bray crash lands into-- I might not understand what these guys actually do, how they’re organized, or why it seems like a good idea to them to do things like leave vulnerable potential hostages in the heart of enemy compounds, but they have definitely nailed the witty banter, and I can’t wait to see Ax’s story, because he’s my favorite.
Overall, this is a fun read. I wasn’t always as invested in the emotional connections between Sam and Bray, which tend to be a bit all over the place, as I could have been, and neither Bray’s instalove nor Sam’s “I have feelings so I’m going to be a major jerk about it” routine were super sympathetic. Points to Sam’s coworkers, however, for pointing out his bad behavior, and to the author for the respectful depiction and handling of some of Sam’s issues around intimacy, physical and otherwise. Bottom line: there’s a lot going for this book-- there’s drama, there are feelings, there’s danger, steam, and intrigue, and I would happily read more stories set in this world.
*I received an ARC of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
June 17, 2021
This is my first experience of a MM book. I did have to look up what some of the references meant-but every day is a school day and I feel the naturally fluid way of writing them into the story was a mature way of dropping in terms (that I understood just based on context but wanted confirmation of).
This book didn’t disappoint me. I enjoyed the story and the character development. I like that the author gives background to the main characters in the story (Bray and Sam). The depth of character really helped me imagine them.
The story is a strange mix of undercover ops, romance and finding your family (literally but mainly metaphorically. I’ve not come across anything like this in MF books so this was a completely new storyline for me.
I was concerned at the start, when a lot of character names were listed, that I wouldn’t be able to keep track of who was who. The confusion didn’t happen though, the team is kept small enough at the earlier stages so by the time you meet more characters you already have it figured out.
I rate it 4/5 stars because
-I would likely read it again
-it was very well written-grammatically and spelling wise
- the plot was well thought out.
Finally- a massive pro for this is as a good basis for the likely series it will become. Based on other character introductions I have strong suspicions on who the next books could focus on. If the second book focuses on Nick and the likely love/hate interest I’ll be all over it!
I received Sweet Hart through Voracious Readers Only in exchange for an honest review.
This book didn’t disappoint me. I enjoyed the story and the character development. I like that the author gives background to the main characters in the story (Bray and Sam). The depth of character really helped me imagine them.
The story is a strange mix of undercover ops, romance and finding your family (literally but mainly metaphorically. I’ve not come across anything like this in MF books so this was a completely new storyline for me.
I was concerned at the start, when a lot of character names were listed, that I wouldn’t be able to keep track of who was who. The confusion didn’t happen though, the team is kept small enough at the earlier stages so by the time you meet more characters you already have it figured out.
I rate it 4/5 stars because
-I would likely read it again
-it was very well written-grammatically and spelling wise
- the plot was well thought out.
Finally- a massive pro for this is as a good basis for the likely series it will become. Based on other character introductions I have strong suspicions on who the next books could focus on. If the second book focuses on Nick and the likely love/hate interest I’ll be all over it!
I received Sweet Hart through Voracious Readers Only in exchange for an honest review.
December 22, 2021
Independent reviewer for Gay Romance Reviews, I was gifted my copy of this book.
I liked this book, a lot!
It *IS* a busy book: there is a lot going on, both for Sam and Brayden but also for the supporting cast. And there are a fair few of those! There is action, both in and out of the bedroom. There is violence, but dealing with sex traffickers ain't no picnic, now is it? There is emotion, lots of emotions from both Sam and Brayden and both his brothers (they aren't given a voice here, but you can feel it coming off them!) Some fun, too! Brayden and Ax have a lot of banter (much to Sam's annoyance!)
As the first in series, I think there is much back story we are missing, mostly about Sam and Mason (Bray's big brother) and think this will come in time. But also the other guys in the Hart Consulting group, and those who back Bray up when he goes after Sam. I can see Max with someone in this group, but not saying who. I'm intrigued by him. Mason as well, needs a story, so we can get the full effect of what happened to him when it all went down so long ago.
The supporting cast is huge, and you gotta keep up!
I loved the fact Bray never gave up on Mase, he wanted answers and by god he gets them here. Didn't go down quite how I thought it did, so I was surprised there. I knew it was bad, but this bad was not what I expected!
First I've read of this author, I have book 2, Dash, which is Bray's brother Nick and Ax's story. They butt heads here, so that should be a fun ride!
A thoroughly enjoyable 4 star read.
*same worded review will appear elsewhere
I liked this book, a lot!
It *IS* a busy book: there is a lot going on, both for Sam and Brayden but also for the supporting cast. And there are a fair few of those! There is action, both in and out of the bedroom. There is violence, but dealing with sex traffickers ain't no picnic, now is it? There is emotion, lots of emotions from both Sam and Brayden and both his brothers (they aren't given a voice here, but you can feel it coming off them!) Some fun, too! Brayden and Ax have a lot of banter (much to Sam's annoyance!)
As the first in series, I think there is much back story we are missing, mostly about Sam and Mason (Bray's big brother) and think this will come in time. But also the other guys in the Hart Consulting group, and those who back Bray up when he goes after Sam. I can see Max with someone in this group, but not saying who. I'm intrigued by him. Mason as well, needs a story, so we can get the full effect of what happened to him when it all went down so long ago.
The supporting cast is huge, and you gotta keep up!
I loved the fact Bray never gave up on Mase, he wanted answers and by god he gets them here. Didn't go down quite how I thought it did, so I was surprised there. I knew it was bad, but this bad was not what I expected!
First I've read of this author, I have book 2, Dash, which is Bray's brother Nick and Ax's story. They butt heads here, so that should be a fun ride!
A thoroughly enjoyable 4 star read.
*same worded review will appear elsewhere
May 11, 2021
For me this book was a journey. From 3 stars beginning to a 5 star ending. I'm probably not allowed to say this bluntly at major retailers, so I'll put it mildly. Let's just say that insta lust at the beginning was a little over the top. When I got over rolling my eyes after first few pages, the story and writing really sucked me in and it gets better and better. The world building along with revealing fragments of the past and the reasons for their actions, for both Sam's and Brayden's is subtle and unique. The interchanging POW's allows you to get in one person's mindset at particular point in time, but it doesn't allow the reader or the MC's to get past the mystery. It's clear that both of them have big issues from their pasts to deal with but you won't get them served on the silver platter. You get only their feelings and perspectives, with only some good hints of the mystery to be revealed. As for the emotional realitinship between the two - touching, realistic, with all the real ups and downs. Loved it. The author gradually incorporates some very interesting supporting characters, which are strong enough to get the stories of their own. So I'm hoping for a many more books to come, because this is a very promising start to a great series.
If you are a fan of enemies to lovers (almost), fake boyfriends, forced proximity, action /mystery, a bit of kink and angst, laced with a snarky humor this is a must read. Oh I forgot to mention that's it's smoking hot.
If you are a fan of enemies to lovers (almost), fake boyfriends, forced proximity, action /mystery, a bit of kink and angst, laced with a snarky humor this is a must read. Oh I forgot to mention that's it's smoking hot.
April 28, 2021
I loved this fast-paced MM romance. The main characters are Brayden, who’s searching for his estranged older brother, and Sam, an older guy involved in the same covert operation as his brother. Sparks fly as Brayden manages to get himself into the middle of things on the mission in Ukraine and he ends up posing as Sam’s boyfriend.
I enjoyed this soooo much. I read the first couple pages intending to just get a feel for it. Instead I ended up reading half the book...and stayed up half the night! I loved Brayden. He was tenacious and clever and not afraid to stand up for himself when he clashed with Sam. I liked his dynamic with Sam for most of the book, as well as the power exchange kink in the bedroom, which was smoking. The action kept me engaged while not overwhelming the romance. I liked the cast of side characters, who made me chuckle. That being said, the plot began to drag a bit at 60% or so. My main complaint is that I grew impatient with Sam—I understand he has his issues, but I think that he should have treated Brayden better at times. Don’t worry, though, there’s a satisfying HEA...though I am impatient for another book in the series.
Overall, I highly recommend!! This is an engaging, fun, and steamy romance.
**I received a copy of this book from Gay Romance Reviews and this is my honest review**
I enjoyed this soooo much. I read the first couple pages intending to just get a feel for it. Instead I ended up reading half the book...and stayed up half the night! I loved Brayden. He was tenacious and clever and not afraid to stand up for himself when he clashed with Sam. I liked his dynamic with Sam for most of the book, as well as the power exchange kink in the bedroom, which was smoking. The action kept me engaged while not overwhelming the romance. I liked the cast of side characters, who made me chuckle. That being said, the plot began to drag a bit at 60% or so. My main complaint is that I grew impatient with Sam—I understand he has his issues, but I think that he should have treated Brayden better at times. Don’t worry, though, there’s a satisfying HEA...though I am impatient for another book in the series.
Overall, I highly recommend!! This is an engaging, fun, and steamy romance.
**I received a copy of this book from Gay Romance Reviews and this is my honest review**
June 23, 2021
Brayden is on a mission to find his older brother. The one he hasn't seen since he was nine. After his brother Mason was discharged from the military he lost track of him. Luckily his friend Max (Sin) was able to find a lead, Sam Wheeler. But Sam denies knowing Mase, leaving Bray to have his hacker friend help him follow Sam to Ukraine. Where after a couple of mishaps, Bray finds Sam, who is with the Ukrainian mafia, and thanks to an ill-timed joke, they are forced to pretend to be lovers.
This book has a bunch of tropes that I just adore: protective older brother, falling for brother's best friend and an optimistic main character. Bray truely is a sweetheart. I couldn't put down the book, I read it in one sitting and ended up bailing on shopping so that I could finish the book. I ended up raving about it to my sister. Sam goes through so much character development, poor Sam was not expecting Bray to upend his life.
Every scene added to their development, even the steamy scenes. Watching the trust develop between the two of the and Sam learning to trust Bray just made me melt. I adored the scenes with Bray's family.
Other than two amazing main characters, the side characters add so much to the story, especially Ax and Sin. Bray wouldn't have gotten nearly as far as he did without them.
I can't think of anything that I don't like about this book. And I can't recommend it enough, it has the perfect mix of playful and suspense. I'm eagerly awaiting the next book in the series. I think that anyone who likes military romances will adore this book.
I was given a complimentary copy of this book through Voracious Readers Only.
This book has a bunch of tropes that I just adore: protective older brother, falling for brother's best friend and an optimistic main character. Bray truely is a sweetheart. I couldn't put down the book, I read it in one sitting and ended up bailing on shopping so that I could finish the book. I ended up raving about it to my sister. Sam goes through so much character development, poor Sam was not expecting Bray to upend his life.
Every scene added to their development, even the steamy scenes. Watching the trust develop between the two of the and Sam learning to trust Bray just made me melt. I adored the scenes with Bray's family.
Other than two amazing main characters, the side characters add so much to the story, especially Ax and Sin. Bray wouldn't have gotten nearly as far as he did without them.
I can't think of anything that I don't like about this book. And I can't recommend it enough, it has the perfect mix of playful and suspense. I'm eagerly awaiting the next book in the series. I think that anyone who likes military romances will adore this book.
I was given a complimentary copy of this book through Voracious Readers Only.
May 10, 2021
Wow! I really loved this book and I'm ready for the next book in the series! Please have more books in this series! I want a book for everyone at Hart Consulting. Anyways I'm getting ahead of myself.
This book starts out with a ton of action and intrigue straight out of the gate. When Bray shows up looking for his brother at Sam's location, sparks immediately start flying between them. Sam is a bit older but he can't help his attraction to the younger Bray. That's where it needs to stop for him because Bray is his best friends brother, plus Sam and Mase are on a secret mission that Bray can't be involved in. Bray won't be so easily dismissed and throws quite a wrench in their mission. I loved that there was so much action and adventure going on the whole time while also spending some sweet and sexy times with Sam and Bray. It will take all of Sam's skills to keep Bray alive and keep their mission from imploding around them. If you love action and romance and hot and sassy men, then this is for you! Rae Marks please give us more from Hart Consulting. Please, Ax and Nickel!
I did receive a copy of this book from Gay Romance Reviews and this is my honest review.
This book starts out with a ton of action and intrigue straight out of the gate. When Bray shows up looking for his brother at Sam's location, sparks immediately start flying between them. Sam is a bit older but he can't help his attraction to the younger Bray. That's where it needs to stop for him because Bray is his best friends brother, plus Sam and Mase are on a secret mission that Bray can't be involved in. Bray won't be so easily dismissed and throws quite a wrench in their mission. I loved that there was so much action and adventure going on the whole time while also spending some sweet and sexy times with Sam and Bray. It will take all of Sam's skills to keep Bray alive and keep their mission from imploding around them. If you love action and romance and hot and sassy men, then this is for you! Rae Marks please give us more from Hart Consulting. Please, Ax and Nickel!
I did receive a copy of this book from Gay Romance Reviews and this is my honest review.
May 13, 2021
Sweet Hart is Book 1 in the Hart Consulting series. This is a beautifully written gripping story that had me on the edge of my seat and I couldn't put it down. This is a new author to me and I was drew in from the very beginning. For the love of a brother. Brayden hasn't seen or talked to his brother, Mase, in years. When he finds out where someone, Sam, is that might know something he doesn't hesitate to seek him out. But when that doesn't go as planned he ends up following Sam out of the country. And that's when Bray's adventure really begins. He has no idea what he's getting himself into but that isn't going to stop him. He runs into Sam at the hotel where assumptions are made by Sam's bodyguard, Ax, and now Bray finds himself in the middle of Sam's operation that could get them all killed, including Bray's brother Mase. I loved Sam and Bray together. Sam doesn't trust easily and it takes him awhile to realize he does deserve to be happy, if he only lets Bray in and stops pushing him away. I loved this book and can't wait for the next one. Definitely recommend it.
I voluntarily reviewed an ARC of this book.
I voluntarily reviewed an ARC of this book.
May 28, 2021
Check out our full post for SWEET HART on Wicked Reads, which includes an excerpt.
Reviews by the Wicked Reads Review Team
Angie – ☆☆☆
This book had a lot going on. I am sure it was to build the universe for the series. There are multiple characters and then a storyline that didn't really get wrapped up, so I am going to assume it will continue in another book in the series. Sam and Bray have mega chemistry, so hot. But Sam was in the military and seems like he forgot everything he learned while serving. This book was good, but it wasn't a favorite of mine.
Reviewers received a free copy of this book to read and review for Wicked Reads.
June 19, 2021
Bray is on a mission to try and get his splintered family back together. He’s trying to track his older brother down, and finds Sam instead. He stumbles on Sam’s op and ends up in a fake relationship for his safety.
He and Sam eventually start sleeping together and trying to figure out their emotions through grave situations, humourous quips from the rest of the team and family dynamics.
While the story starts off slow in the beginning, with so much bumbling from Bray, it gets better with Sam and the other characters and the action. The action does not drive the plot, but it is engaging. There are a few gaps in the story about supporting characters and a little name dropping with the elder brother’s consulting firm, but it doesn’t detract from the overall plot.
Bray is a little difficult to get behind, the end Sam’s character is a little confusing to understand, but the way these two communicate, react and the hot sexy scenes truly make up for those misses.
There are a lot of other characters that have been introduced and it will be nice to read more about them and their happily ever after.
He and Sam eventually start sleeping together and trying to figure out their emotions through grave situations, humourous quips from the rest of the team and family dynamics.
While the story starts off slow in the beginning, with so much bumbling from Bray, it gets better with Sam and the other characters and the action. The action does not drive the plot, but it is engaging. There are a few gaps in the story about supporting characters and a little name dropping with the elder brother’s consulting firm, but it doesn’t detract from the overall plot.
Bray is a little difficult to get behind, the end Sam’s character is a little confusing to understand, but the way these two communicate, react and the hot sexy scenes truly make up for those misses.
There are a lot of other characters that have been introduced and it will be nice to read more about them and their happily ever after.
May 29, 2021
This really great book is not what I usually read, but I really liked the intrigue and mystery of the "Special Ops" aspect. Oh, and the scorching M/M romance between Brayden and Sam. Both have a military history, as do the other guys in the story.
I instantly felt sympathy for both these guys, who were both banished from their families for being gay. Sam is a good bit older and more jaded than Bray and has a terrible backstory revealed in the course of their romance. Bray gets into this by searching for his older brother and landing in the middle of an operation. I could feel the fear and resolve in equal measure as he muddles ahead and keeps going after his brother. Sam and Bray love each other, but like so many romance characters, they can't admit it. After a lot of angst and injury, things turn out well.
The writing is excellent, with none of the usual grammar, word choice, and punctuation errors.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
I instantly felt sympathy for both these guys, who were both banished from their families for being gay. Sam is a good bit older and more jaded than Bray and has a terrible backstory revealed in the course of their romance. Bray gets into this by searching for his older brother and landing in the middle of an operation. I could feel the fear and resolve in equal measure as he muddles ahead and keeps going after his brother. Sam and Bray love each other, but like so many romance characters, they can't admit it. After a lot of angst and injury, things turn out well.
The writing is excellent, with none of the usual grammar, word choice, and punctuation errors.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
May 6, 2021
Brayden Hart is determined to find his brother Mason. His only hope is Sam Wheeler. With the help of his genius hacker friend, Bray tracks him to a squalid apartment and then to the Ukraine. He finds himself in the middle of covert operation. Soon he finds himself acting as Sam’s boyfriend when Sam steps in to save his life.
These two really danced around each other. Sam thought Bray too young and naïve while Bray was sure he could handle most things. Navigating the Ukrainian Mafia may have been more than he could handle. Fortunately, he had Sam. When the mission is over, communication becomes an issue and you have to wonder which one, if any, will take the first step.
I found this to be a delightful story. I loved the opposite pairing of gruff and grumpy Sam with the young and hopeful Bray. They really were good for each other. This is the first book in Hart Consulting series and I look forward to many more. There are a few other operatives that need a story.
These two really danced around each other. Sam thought Bray too young and naïve while Bray was sure he could handle most things. Navigating the Ukrainian Mafia may have been more than he could handle. Fortunately, he had Sam. When the mission is over, communication becomes an issue and you have to wonder which one, if any, will take the first step.
I found this to be a delightful story. I loved the opposite pairing of gruff and grumpy Sam with the young and hopeful Bray. They really were good for each other. This is the first book in Hart Consulting series and I look forward to many more. There are a few other operatives that need a story.
June 6, 2021
Sweet Hart is a great start to a new series. There is a lot going on in this book, There is quite a bit of back story to establish and world building. It starts off at a pretty fast pace. A man is looking for his older brother that left their family years ago and he unknowingly interrupts an ongoing covert operation. That results in a forced "fake" relationship between two characters that have instant chemistry from the moment they meet. It's fun to see how the feelings and circumstances throw both of these characters off balance. I enjoyed this story, there is quite a bit of action and I thought the relationship and suspense pieces flowed well together. I love the characters and look forward to seeing the secondary characters become main characters in future books. I also look forward to getting more of the back story on how HC came to be and how this group of guys came together. I received an advance review copy for free and I am voluntarily leaving this review.
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