Hold Him Close

by J.P. Bowie

Sometimes love and loyalty are all you can count on.

Ten years ago, John White Eagle, then a film extra and stuntman, met Detective Mark Rossi and sparks immediately flew, despite the fact that Mark had just arrested John as a suspect in a murder case.

Fast forward ten years and John, now a private detective, and Mark, recently promoted to detective sergeant, are happily married, even if they still have to deal with those on the wrong side of the law.

Alex Vasquez, an old friend of John’s, is being blackmailed. When the blackmailer turns up dead and Alex skips town with his boyfriend, things look bad.

Penny Andrews hires John to find her missing brother, Sam, even though she fears he has been murdered, perhaps by their own father. John discovers that Sam is very much alive, in Afghanistan, searching for Jareem, the man he loves but had to leave behind.

Hindered by liars and hired assassins, things don’t look too good for John and Mark. Can they find Alex before the police do? And can they keep Sam and Jareem safe from those who believe in honor killing and are determined that Jareem will be their next target?

Publisher's Note: This book is related to The Set Up by J.P. Bowie.

147 pages, Kindle Edition

Published May 18, 2021

About the author

J.P. Bowie was born and raised in Aberdeen, Scotland. He wrote his first (unpublished) novel – a science fiction tale of brawny men and brawnier women that made him a little suspect in the eyes of his family for a while.

Leaving home at age eighteen for the bright lights of London, he found himself in the midst of a “diverse and creative crowd” that eventually led him to the performing arts. For the next twelve years he sang, danced and acted his way around the theatres of London and the provinces, appearing in shows with many famous British singers, actors and comedians.

After immigrating to the US and living for many years in Las Vegas where he worked for that incomparable duo, Siegfried and Roy, J.P. found himself entranced by the fair city of San Diego where he currently lives with his partner, Phil.

J.P. loves to hear from his readers and can be contacted at jpbowie@cox.net

Reviews

[C.B. · Rating 5 out of 5]

Intense! Great mixture of the enduring love story and intense mystery. Penny, hires John to find her brother Sam. She has no idea of his location, and fears the worse. John and Mark go on an adventure trying to locate Sam. Alex, an old friend of John's is also twisted up in a legal dilemma. John and Mark are working several mysteries/questions at the same time. The juggling tests their patience, their skills and their committment. Do they complete their mission successfully? Do they find Alex? Do they affirm their relationship? Great story, keeps you rivited and excited for the adventure. Well done! I received an ARC from Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Kkhmonrai · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was my first read from this author and my introduction to John and Mark. I found the Amazon description a bit confusing, as it seemed to switch names/cases/characters. I wondered if there was a mix-up, or more than one case going on. The later turned out to be true. There is a LOT going on in this book, and I loved the way the author balanced the cases and mysteries with the love relationship of John and Mark. Although I believe there is a preceding novel with John and Mark, I felt this one worked fine as a stand-alone.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Missy · Rating 4 out of 5]

4 Stars

Hold Him Close was a good book—an edge of the seat kind of read. JP Bowie is a great author. 

John and Mark have been married for 10 years. Even though they had a rocky start, the attraction was instant and on fire. When Penny hires John to find her brother, all the twists and turns happen. 

I could be friends with both characters in this book. This was written in a single POV, and I felt the characters were well developed.

***Copy provided to Bayou Book Junkie for my reading pleasure. A review wasn’t a requirement. ***

[Elaine Gray · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another great book about John and Mark, they are married now and John has his own private investigation company. The book is mysterious, low angst, some very intense moments, and these two are so hot together. John is asked to search for someone but he keeps hitting roadblocks and keeps getting the runaround. The book also has some sweet moments, funny, and will have your attention from start to finish.

[Jocelyn Whaley · Rating 5 out of 5]

I have heard of J.P. Bowie but have never read any of their books. But I am definitely going back to read The Set Up. Hold Him Close kept my attention from beginning to end. I love the dynamics between John and Mark. Great book.

[Kathleen Bradbury (Bulfon) · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was such a wonderful love story. I enjoyed it very much. The storyline was spot on and was well executed. You have action, drama and adventure and love all in one book. loved the characters, I enjoyed this book can't wait for their next one. I recommend it.

[Jennifer]

DNFed @ 15%. 2021