What do you think?
Rate this book
Lonely Heroes #6
Salesman Mateo
Mateo Torrente
A strong sense of loyalty coursed through the lifeblood of the Torrente family. Anyone who knew any of us would attest to it. We looked out for each other and didn’t take threats against family members for granted. Giuseppe Torrente, my papa, was regarded as the patriarch, not only for his branch of the family but all of its members, in Italy and America.
Papa’s allegiance was what prompted my move to America, at least for the immediate future. There was a threat against the family, and my particular services were needed in New York to assist my favorite cousin, Gabriele, against an anticipated attack. His children had a history that wasn’t discussed outside the confines of our group, so when Gabe decided he had a mole in the American office of Golden Elite Associates, the ‘family business,’ Papa dispatched me to guard his children and assist my cousin with ferreting out the traitor.
I certainly didn’t anticipate I’d meet a feisty, sexy, barber who would get me out of a jam and fill my mind with lascivious thoughts to the point of distraction. I wasn’t one who looked for the cottage with a picket fence, but my life was lonely. When I met him, I knew exactly what I was missing…a love of my own. He was definitely his own man, and as I began falling for him, I wondered the plausibility of trying to make him my own man.
Was I only putting him in danger by association, or could I possibly have the type of happiness I saw between so many of my friends and those they loved? Was I making a selfish decision to pursue Shay Barr? If so, how the hell could I ever walk away from him?
o-0-o
Shay Barr
At eighteen, I ran out of Arkansas like my hair was on fire just to get away from my crazy family, and I didn’t look back, making a life for myself in Little Rock before making the big leap to New York. I did a few things along the way I wasn’t proud of, but we all took our knocks and lived to fight another day. I was no exception to the rule.
The only member of my family I kept in touch with was a cousin I had been close with before I took off. She was the only member of my family who knew how to find me if necessary, but it was for her benefit as much as mine that we didn’t stay in close contact. I didn’t want my parents, brothers, or her parents to find out where I’d landed and try to make my life miserable. It was an act of self-preservation and protection for my cousin’s benefit, too.
My life had been lonely of late, and yet again, I made some dubious decisions, but they didn’t hurt anyone except me, so I got back up and carried forward. It was all fine until I met a man who had me wrapped around his finger from the first ‘Torrente’ smile he gave me. I was useless to fight the attraction, though I was a bit leery because the man had heartbreaker written all over him.
I thought that was my only problem until said cousin showed up with an all-too-familiar story about her little brother’s disappearance. She was worried sick about him, and I had the distinct feeling Chase didn’t take off willingly. If I was right, the kid was in grave danger, and I had it in my power to stop it.
Added to all that drama was the fact I had an entire set of baggage of my own, and the salesman didn’t strike me as one who made too many trips to the same sexual buffet. The fact he kept disappearing on me without any notice left me confused and worried. If he learned of all the things about me I didn’t share with friends, would he run back to his beloved Italy and write a tell-all about a crazy, over-the-hill, former twink he had the misfortune to meet?
Was I stupid for thin
A strong sense of loyalty coursed through the lifeblood of the Torrente family. Anyone who knew any of us would attest to it. We looked out for each other and didn’t take threats against family members for granted. Giuseppe Torrente, my papa, was regarded as the patriarch, not only for his branch of the family but all of its members, in Italy and America.
Papa’s allegiance was what prompted my move to America, at least for the immediate future. There was a threat against the family, and my particular services were needed in New York to assist my favorite cousin, Gabriele, against an anticipated attack. His children had a history that wasn’t discussed outside the confines of our group, so when Gabe decided he had a mole in the American office of Golden Elite Associates, the ‘family business,’ Papa dispatched me to guard his children and assist my cousin with ferreting out the traitor.
I certainly didn’t anticipate I’d meet a feisty, sexy, barber who would get me out of a jam and fill my mind with lascivious thoughts to the point of distraction. I wasn’t one who looked for the cottage with a picket fence, but my life was lonely. When I met him, I knew exactly what I was missing…a love of my own. He was definitely his own man, and as I began falling for him, I wondered the plausibility of trying to make him my own man.
Was I only putting him in danger by association, or could I possibly have the type of happiness I saw between so many of my friends and those they loved? Was I making a selfish decision to pursue Shay Barr? If so, how the hell could I ever walk away from him?
o-0-o
Shay Barr
At eighteen, I ran out of Arkansas like my hair was on fire just to get away from my crazy family, and I didn’t look back, making a life for myself in Little Rock before making the big leap to New York. I did a few things along the way I wasn’t proud of, but we all took our knocks and lived to fight another day. I was no exception to the rule.
The only member of my family I kept in touch with was a cousin I had been close with before I took off. She was the only member of my family who knew how to find me if necessary, but it was for her benefit as much as mine that we didn’t stay in close contact. I didn’t want my parents, brothers, or her parents to find out where I’d landed and try to make my life miserable. It was an act of self-preservation and protection for my cousin’s benefit, too.
My life had been lonely of late, and yet again, I made some dubious decisions, but they didn’t hurt anyone except me, so I got back up and carried forward. It was all fine until I met a man who had me wrapped around his finger from the first ‘Torrente’ smile he gave me. I was useless to fight the attraction, though I was a bit leery because the man had heartbreaker written all over him.
I thought that was my only problem until said cousin showed up with an all-too-familiar story about her little brother’s disappearance. She was worried sick about him, and I had the distinct feeling Chase didn’t take off willingly. If I was right, the kid was in grave danger, and I had it in my power to stop it.
Added to all that drama was the fact I had an entire set of baggage of my own, and the salesman didn’t strike me as one who made too many trips to the same sexual buffet. The fact he kept disappearing on me without any notice left me confused and worried. If he learned of all the things about me I didn’t share with friends, would he run back to his beloved Italy and write a tell-all about a crazy, over-the-hill, former twink he had the misfortune to meet?
Was I stupid for thin
346 pages, Kindle Edition
First published December 7, 2018
80 people are currently reading
43 people want to read
About the author
Sam E. Kraemer
78 books227 followersI grew up in the rural Midwest before moving to the East Coast with a dashing young man who swept me off my feet, and we've now settled in the desert of Nevada. I write M/M contemporary romance, subgenres: sweet low angst, age-gap, cowboys, mysteries, and military/mercenary to name a few. I am a firm believer in "Love is Love" regardless of how it presents itself, and I'm a staunch ally of the LGBTQIA+ community.
I have a loving, supportive family, and I feel blessed by the universe and thankful every day for all I have been given. I’m old enough to know how to have fun, but too old to care what others think about my definition of a good time. In my heart and soul, I believe I hit the cosmic jackpot. Cheers!
I have a loving, supportive family, and I feel blessed by the universe and thankful every day for all I have been given. I’m old enough to know how to have fun, but too old to care what others think about my definition of a good time. In my heart and soul, I believe I hit the cosmic jackpot. Cheers!
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 35 reviews
November 19, 2021
Freakin fantastic!! This was my favorite to date! Each of these stories get better and better! I’ve been waiting to see if Sam would give us a story for Shay!! I’ve loved Shay from the moment we met him. Shay escaped his home in Arkansas and made a new life for himself. He owns his own business and has a great group of friends but something dark haunts him mentally. Mateo is the family fixer (assassin) and salesman for the family vineyard. When Mateo moves back home to help guard his cousin’s children, he meets Shay. Sparks fly! They have phenomenal chemistry! I freakin loved the mystery that surrounds the Torrente family and GEA, in both Italy and America. There is amazing group of secondary characters (loved, loved, loved sassy and snarky Chase) and past characters that overlap within the story. It’s helpful to read the first five stories in the Lonely Heroes series. I do have a serious dislike for Duke, I only hope that he can be redeemed somewhere down the road in the series. Overall, phenomenal!! The story is really well written with complicated and complex characters, highly recommend it!! I’m voluntarily reviewing from an advanced copy I received. This was solely based on my honest thoughts and opinion.
December 6, 2021
Salesman Mateo is quite an intense, action and drama packed outing in the Lonely Heroes series. Mateo is one of the Torrente cousins who has dropped up now and again but this time gets his own story where he is dealing with a lot that is going on within the family business as well as trying to keep everyone safe, along with falling for he beautiful and charming Shay, friend of Maxi's.
There is a lot going on throughout the the whole of this book so it's really important to pay attention as Mateo is following many trails to try and find the traitor amongst those working in the family business. Shay has his own dramatic family storyline going on as he steps up to help someone who is going through what he ended as a young man back with his family in Arkansas. Their relationship is quick to develop and whilst I was fully on board with their attraction and chemistry, I felt that the I love you's came a little out of nowhere as they hadn't really spent that much time together. That being said, I did love reading these two together. Shay is fully prepared to take on Mateo and accepts him as he is, the work he does included. Mateo finds himself besotted fairly quickly and Shay's charm, firm independence but also willingness to be cared for draws the older man in, something that's never happened before. They each have great relationships with those around them, family being hugely important to Mateo and friendships being what has got Shay through his adult life so far. The overall number of characters can sometimes feel a little overwhelming or hard to keep track of so maybe a glossary at the beginning to help remind readers who everyone is in relation to others and the story.
This has been a great addition to the series and is building up for a grand finale which I'm hugely looking forward to. There are twists throughout the story and it definitely keeps you on your toes, trying to guess where the next hit will come from. There are several men who is he interested in having their own story next, including Corbin and Mathis, but I'm hoping that Mateo's brother, Rafe, is next on the HEA list.
I received an ARC and am happily giving a review.
There is a lot going on throughout the the whole of this book so it's really important to pay attention as Mateo is following many trails to try and find the traitor amongst those working in the family business. Shay has his own dramatic family storyline going on as he steps up to help someone who is going through what he ended as a young man back with his family in Arkansas. Their relationship is quick to develop and whilst I was fully on board with their attraction and chemistry, I felt that the I love you's came a little out of nowhere as they hadn't really spent that much time together. That being said, I did love reading these two together. Shay is fully prepared to take on Mateo and accepts him as he is, the work he does included. Mateo finds himself besotted fairly quickly and Shay's charm, firm independence but also willingness to be cared for draws the older man in, something that's never happened before. They each have great relationships with those around them, family being hugely important to Mateo and friendships being what has got Shay through his adult life so far. The overall number of characters can sometimes feel a little overwhelming or hard to keep track of so maybe a glossary at the beginning to help remind readers who everyone is in relation to others and the story.
This has been a great addition to the series and is building up for a grand finale which I'm hugely looking forward to. There are twists throughout the story and it definitely keeps you on your toes, trying to guess where the next hit will come from. There are several men who is he interested in having their own story next, including Corbin and Mathis, but I'm hoping that Mateo's brother, Rafe, is next on the HEA list.
I received an ARC and am happily giving a review.
December 11, 2021
Tags: M/M passionate romance; mystery; mafia; family; abuse (on page and off)
The abuse is not so scary that it really needs a warning unless seeing people punished for being gay is a trigger. This will happen on-page and recollections off the page. Conversion therapy does not work!
Mateo Torrente is 42yo, his family’s fixer, on paper the family’s wine salesman and very singly gay. He is part of the Golden Elite Associates-Italian branch. Mateo has been called to the US to help his cousin Gabe (from “Guardian Gabe”) who works for GEA-A, which is the American branch. Somebody is out to do harm to Gabe’s and Dex’s two children, 9yo Dylan and 6yo Searcy, both adorable precocious children. Through the time Mateo is protecting Dylan and Searcy he meets a sweet and sensitive gay man, Shay Barr who is roughly twelve to thirteen years Mateo’s junior. Shay is the owner/operator of DyeV Barr (catchy name, right?!) and hairdresser to the rich and famous of NYC. His roots are in Arkansas and when you find out why he left, you will be happy for him. His back story will make for sad reading but his triumph will make it all worth it.
So much is happening in this story of families. One family is aware of their gay sons but love them regardless and there is another family that tries to convert their behavior in the most barbaric ways. Where you should find unconditional love, one family doesn’t know how. There are mysteries galore, several in fact. The blurb is pretty accurate. Lots of passion and hints of future liaisons. Great secondary characters too, many of which have their stories resolved within these pages. My only problem was keeping the family members straight. I actually made an ancestral chart! And then they had different names: Lorenzo might be Enzo. For this reason, I give my review 4.5 sensational stars. I volunteered to review an ARC of this book. If you like strong gay men who love their mates passionately with a touch of mafia and righting wrongs, read this book. You’ll love it.
The abuse is not so scary that it really needs a warning unless seeing people punished for being gay is a trigger. This will happen on-page and recollections off the page. Conversion therapy does not work!
Mateo Torrente is 42yo, his family’s fixer, on paper the family’s wine salesman and very singly gay. He is part of the Golden Elite Associates-Italian branch. Mateo has been called to the US to help his cousin Gabe (from “Guardian Gabe”) who works for GEA-A, which is the American branch. Somebody is out to do harm to Gabe’s and Dex’s two children, 9yo Dylan and 6yo Searcy, both adorable precocious children. Through the time Mateo is protecting Dylan and Searcy he meets a sweet and sensitive gay man, Shay Barr who is roughly twelve to thirteen years Mateo’s junior. Shay is the owner/operator of DyeV Barr (catchy name, right?!) and hairdresser to the rich and famous of NYC. His roots are in Arkansas and when you find out why he left, you will be happy for him. His back story will make for sad reading but his triumph will make it all worth it.
So much is happening in this story of families. One family is aware of their gay sons but love them regardless and there is another family that tries to convert their behavior in the most barbaric ways. Where you should find unconditional love, one family doesn’t know how. There are mysteries galore, several in fact. The blurb is pretty accurate. Lots of passion and hints of future liaisons. Great secondary characters too, many of which have their stories resolved within these pages. My only problem was keeping the family members straight. I actually made an ancestral chart! And then they had different names: Lorenzo might be Enzo. For this reason, I give my review 4.5 sensational stars. I volunteered to review an ARC of this book. If you like strong gay men who love their mates passionately with a touch of mafia and righting wrongs, read this book. You’ll love it.
January 15, 2019
Building an exciting series
This author is talented and has the skills needed to write a good story. The dialogue is spot on, the characters are damaged but full of heart and the back story just gets more twisty and interesting.
There are proofreading errors, but none that make you have to keep rereading to figure the sentence out. There is a continuity issue I saw, but not the type that made you question the plot.
The family behind GEA and their backstory is well developed and just twisty enough to surprise the reader. Mateo is my kind of guy, the bad boy. Until now, he'd agree he was heartless- ruthless. Acting without mercy or remorse. But that's what you do when your family looks to you to take care of them and keep them safe. Then he meets Shay, a stunning man with a kind heart and broken so badly he doesn't think he deserves love. Mateo can't keep his distance and falls for Shay. Their story is not for the faint of heart or those who would judge. Sometimes we must do what is expected of us. Sometimes that expectation is to be the assassin. Mateo is who he is and he won't apologize. And Shay sees his man for who he really is. The man who will never let him down. Who will make him his world.
Shay's past is heartbreaking. It is disturbing and will piss off those of us who wish the world were a better place. But he is a survivor. And you love who you love and accept them for who they are. It might not go smoothly at first, but eventually they get their HEA.
Bottom line, I'm crazy about hit men (don't judge), so this is my favorite couple in the series. If you're here for the mystery crumbs being dropped in each book you'll be happy to know some of it is resolved. WOW! But one more secret is front and center. And excuse me, but Duke has to GO!
Time we'll spent.
This author is talented and has the skills needed to write a good story. The dialogue is spot on, the characters are damaged but full of heart and the back story just gets more twisty and interesting.
There are proofreading errors, but none that make you have to keep rereading to figure the sentence out. There is a continuity issue I saw, but not the type that made you question the plot.
The family behind GEA and their backstory is well developed and just twisty enough to surprise the reader. Mateo is my kind of guy, the bad boy. Until now, he'd agree he was heartless- ruthless. Acting without mercy or remorse. But that's what you do when your family looks to you to take care of them and keep them safe. Then he meets Shay, a stunning man with a kind heart and broken so badly he doesn't think he deserves love. Mateo can't keep his distance and falls for Shay. Their story is not for the faint of heart or those who would judge. Sometimes we must do what is expected of us. Sometimes that expectation is to be the assassin. Mateo is who he is and he won't apologize. And Shay sees his man for who he really is. The man who will never let him down. Who will make him his world.
Shay's past is heartbreaking. It is disturbing and will piss off those of us who wish the world were a better place. But he is a survivor. And you love who you love and accept them for who they are. It might not go smoothly at first, but eventually they get their HEA.
Bottom line, I'm crazy about hit men (don't judge), so this is my favorite couple in the series. If you're here for the mystery crumbs being dropped in each book you'll be happy to know some of it is resolved. WOW! But one more secret is front and center. And excuse me, but Duke has to GO!
Time we'll spent.
November 28, 2024
The characters and plot in this series usually hold my attention through the superfluous level of details often included in each story. This time around, my attention started to wane. The plot has some interesting moments, but it started to get a bit convoluted. Too many plot threads made the story a bit choppy. Shay and Mateo have a rather improbable relationship that happens rather quickly. Their relationship develops fairly well, but it takes the entire book to convince me that it can work.
I did take issue with the rather grim spin the author puts on BDSM. I can appreciate that the BDSM lifestyle isn't for everyone, but it seems a bit hypocritical to throw it in a negative light in this series. The entire Lonely Hearts series is filled with stories that reflect how different doesn't mean bad. Except apparently in the case of the BDSM lifestyle.
The narration by Michael Ferraiuolo is performed well, and I enjoyed listening to his voice. If you have listened to and enjoyed the other books in the series, this one is worth a listen for all the plot developments. I was entertained, and I will probably keep listening to the rest of the books just to find out who will finally catch Rafe's attention.
I did take issue with the rather grim spin the author puts on BDSM. I can appreciate that the BDSM lifestyle isn't for everyone, but it seems a bit hypocritical to throw it in a negative light in this series. The entire Lonely Hearts series is filled with stories that reflect how different doesn't mean bad. Except apparently in the case of the BDSM lifestyle.
The narration by Michael Ferraiuolo is performed well, and I enjoyed listening to his voice. If you have listened to and enjoyed the other books in the series, this one is worth a listen for all the plot developments. I was entertained, and I will probably keep listening to the rest of the books just to find out who will finally catch Rafe's attention.
November 24, 2021
This was a great read and one which quickly hooked me in and was hard to put down until I’d finished. While it brings in many of the characters from previous books this is the story of Shay and Mateo.
I loved Shay, who after a truly awful past managed to build his own successful business and a new life. Mateo is the bad boy who takes care of the darker side of his family’s business and is a hard man until he meets Shay and his softer side emerges. When they meet there is instant chemistry but there are many obstacles they have to overcome, not only from threats to Mateo’s family but from Shay’s as well, before they get their HEA.
The many side characters add a great depth to the story and in particular, Chase, is adorable and his snark provides some humour while the sour Duke harbours a huge grudge towards everyone that we are yet to learn about.
This is a complex story filled with family, treachery, angst and heat; this was a great addition to the series and I can’t wait for the next one.
I was gifted an ARC of this book for review and this is my honest and voluntary opinion.
I loved Shay, who after a truly awful past managed to build his own successful business and a new life. Mateo is the bad boy who takes care of the darker side of his family’s business and is a hard man until he meets Shay and his softer side emerges. When they meet there is instant chemistry but there are many obstacles they have to overcome, not only from threats to Mateo’s family but from Shay’s as well, before they get their HEA.
The many side characters add a great depth to the story and in particular, Chase, is adorable and his snark provides some humour while the sour Duke harbours a huge grudge towards everyone that we are yet to learn about.
This is a complex story filled with family, treachery, angst and heat; this was a great addition to the series and I can’t wait for the next one.
I was gifted an ARC of this book for review and this is my honest and voluntary opinion.
December 9, 2021
Salesman Mateo is Book 6 in The Lonely Heroes series. I loved this book. It drew me in from the very beginning and didn't let go. There is so much go on I wanted to start it over once I finished to help put some of the pieces together that I may've missed. There was a lot of characters to keep up with and trying to figure out what everyone was doing or supposed to be doing. It's action packed, intense, emotional, and a surprise no one saw coming. Mateo was sent to America to help his cousin Gabe in the pretense he was a wine salesman. He didn't go there to fall in love but that's exactly what happened when he met Shay, a stylist. I love the strength Shay has for overcoming what was done to him and really made a life for himself doing what he wanted to and being his true self. He and Mateo are so good for each other and work well together. This was my first read of this series and now I want to go back and read the others if they're anything like this one. I definitely recommend this book and series.
December 16, 2021
An Italian Soap Opera
Plot: Multiple plots: mystery, danger, vendetta, hate crimes, “conversion camp” abuse [trigger warning needed for on-page abuse/violence]
Feels: Shay needs ALL the hugs!!
Drama: Pure family soap opera - telenovela-style (or the Italian version of it lol)
Heat: 2/5 - wanted more screen-time for Mateo and Shay together
Characters: Soooo many characters with the addition of Mateo’s family in Italy and US and Shay’s blood relatives as well as cameos from the previous books.
Pacing: Medium
Length: Felt the ‘surveillance’ revolving around the danger to Gabe’s family could have been shortened - felt long with no action happening
Ending: HEA for the couple, TBC for the family back[his]story
Series note: I’m realizing that for most of the series, each pair of MCs often spend time apart throughout all the action - not a huge deal, but I felt that the distance was more prominent here with Mateo and Shay and wished they were together more.
Plot: Multiple plots: mystery, danger, vendetta, hate crimes, “conversion camp” abuse [trigger warning needed for on-page abuse/violence]
Feels: Shay needs ALL the hugs!!
Drama: Pure family soap opera - telenovela-style (or the Italian version of it lol)
Heat: 2/5 - wanted more screen-time for Mateo and Shay together
Characters: Soooo many characters with the addition of Mateo’s family in Italy and US and Shay’s blood relatives as well as cameos from the previous books.
Pacing: Medium
Length: Felt the ‘surveillance’ revolving around the danger to Gabe’s family could have been shortened - felt long with no action happening
Ending: HEA for the couple, TBC for the family back[his]story
Series note: I’m realizing that for most of the series, each pair of MCs often spend time apart throughout all the action - not a huge deal, but I felt that the distance was more prominent here with Mateo and Shay and wished they were together more.
November 19, 2021
Wow what an action packed book this was. I’ve been waiting for Mateo book to come and it did not disappoint. Mateo is the fixer of the family and often gets sent on jobs to clean up other people mess but this time it was a family secret that gets uncovered.
Shea Barr is a fiesta hairdresser who owns a very prestigious salon and has worked hard for someone who came from awful circumstances. He escapes a religious family who tried to pray the gay away. He gets a shock when his cousin comes to him because her little brother is missing and shea has a feeling the family is doing to him what they did to shea. He can’t allow that to happen so he goes back to Arkansas to rescue chase.
Mateo and Shea have explosive chemistry and this book will keep you on the edge of your seat. OMG so good I couldn’t put it down
Shea Barr is a fiesta hairdresser who owns a very prestigious salon and has worked hard for someone who came from awful circumstances. He escapes a religious family who tried to pray the gay away. He gets a shock when his cousin comes to him because her little brother is missing and shea has a feeling the family is doing to him what they did to shea. He can’t allow that to happen so he goes back to Arkansas to rescue chase.
Mateo and Shea have explosive chemistry and this book will keep you on the edge of your seat. OMG so good I couldn’t put it down
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
December 12, 2021
I keep having to eat my words every time a new book in this series comes out, as I keep saying the one before is my favorite. So, here I go again. This one tops my list. I love the plot which brings Gabe from a previous book back into the story and I loved the characters of Mateo and Shay. Shay's story was incredibly hard to read but the fact that he's escaped and built a successful life for himself speaks to the wonderful, strong man he is. It's amazing he has been able to retain so much compassion for others. He deserves only the best, and he gets it with Mateo. Mateo is the family "fixer" who has come to help eliminate a threat to Gabe's children and when he and Shay end up working together, sparks fly in many more ways that one. I'm overjoyed we have two more books in this series, but also saddened that we only have two more books in the series.
November 24, 2021
The latest book in The Lonely Heroes series is a super fun read. Mateo and Shay’s love story is a wild and fast paced ride, filled with lots of Torrente family drama, secrets and mystery. Shay and Mateo are fun and utterly likable characters and both are dealing with complicated family dynamics. Theses two have instant chemistry, plenty of steamy moments, and a lovely happy ending. The plot is action packed and has a lot of intriguing side characters which add depth and keep it interesting. This was a great addition to the series, I highly recommend. I can’t wait for the next installment!
I received an arc of this book and this is my honest review
I received an arc of this book and this is my honest review
December 1, 2021
My head is still whirling...but at least I didn't end up with a bullet in my brain...which could have happened with all of those flying through the air.
Family...above all else. Unless they're Shay's and then all bets are off!
Deceit and greed and love and betrayal and loyalty.
At times it's hard to figure out who you can trust, and just when you think you knows who is on your side, you have to reevaluate the facts...or at least what you think are the facts.
Whatever you do...keep an eye on those you love.
A great fast-paced plot with characters you'll fall in love with...or hate...there isn't much room for 'grey' in this book.
Family...above all else. Unless they're Shay's and then all bets are off!
Deceit and greed and love and betrayal and loyalty.
At times it's hard to figure out who you can trust, and just when you think you knows who is on your side, you have to reevaluate the facts...or at least what you think are the facts.
Whatever you do...keep an eye on those you love.
A great fast-paced plot with characters you'll fall in love with...or hate...there isn't much room for 'grey' in this book.
May 14, 2024
Unexpected Reactions
Shay had a rough start in life and was a true survivor. He is fiercely loyal to those he cares about. Mateo has had a largely singular life. He lives his family beyond measure and will do anything to protect them. However, being who he is isn't an easy life for anyone to accept. These two are fire together. There are a million things that could run off most people, but they just roll with it. I love that Shay was willing to risk himself to save his cousin from the hell he survived. I love that Mateo wouldn't let him do it alone. Meanwhile, Mateo is dealing with a traitor or two among them. This book was a ride, but in the best way.
Shay had a rough start in life and was a true survivor. He is fiercely loyal to those he cares about. Mateo has had a largely singular life. He lives his family beyond measure and will do anything to protect them. However, being who he is isn't an easy life for anyone to accept. These two are fire together. There are a million things that could run off most people, but they just roll with it. I love that Shay was willing to risk himself to save his cousin from the hell he survived. I love that Mateo wouldn't let him do it alone. Meanwhile, Mateo is dealing with a traitor or two among them. This book was a ride, but in the best way.
November 30, 2021
I adored Mateo and Shay.
Though they both have pasts and those pasts are causing problems in their present, the issues are not of their making.
Shay come from a religious family, or one that pretends to be, they use it as an excuse to bully and torture people.
Mateo has someone gunning for his family, he almost loses Shay, pushing him away as he fears Shay will be used as his weakness
While these guys are a cute couple, the backstories were good, I didnt see who Mateos real mastermind was at all. As well as two independant men learning to lean on eachother
Though they both have pasts and those pasts are causing problems in their present, the issues are not of their making.
Shay come from a religious family, or one that pretends to be, they use it as an excuse to bully and torture people.
Mateo has someone gunning for his family, he almost loses Shay, pushing him away as he fears Shay will be used as his weakness
While these guys are a cute couple, the backstories were good, I didnt see who Mateos real mastermind was at all. As well as two independant men learning to lean on eachother
April 17, 2023
Mateo, the killing machine for the Torrente family falls head over heels for the hairdresser, Shay, friends with Dexter, Maxim, and Shep's masterful cook boyfriend.
The world can never be the same, is Mateo losing his touch because of love? Can Shay deal with the fact that he watched Mateo kill the deranged Dom that came chasing after Shay from his horrible night that left him battered, bruised and in the urgent care?
Of course, that isn't all that goes on with this series. Danger, intrigue, family -- blood vs. made.
A fun roller coaster of familial fun.
The world can never be the same, is Mateo losing his touch because of love? Can Shay deal with the fact that he watched Mateo kill the deranged Dom that came chasing after Shay from his horrible night that left him battered, bruised and in the urgent care?
Of course, that isn't all that goes on with this series. Danger, intrigue, family -- blood vs. made.
A fun roller coaster of familial fun.
November 30, 2021
Hard To Know Who Can Be Trusted.
MM, Insta Attraction, Mystery, Suspense, Contemporary Romance. An easy to read page-turner with lots of twists within the story, needs to be read in series order for full understanding and maximum enjoyment due to complex plot and characters from the previous books in the series being heavily featured. Non stop action throughout the story that kept me guessing till the end. A great story that I have really enjoyed reading. HEA.
MM, Insta Attraction, Mystery, Suspense, Contemporary Romance. An easy to read page-turner with lots of twists within the story, needs to be read in series order for full understanding and maximum enjoyment due to complex plot and characters from the previous books in the series being heavily featured. Non stop action throughout the story that kept me guessing till the end. A great story that I have really enjoyed reading. HEA.
December 9, 2021
This was another nice story in this series, however it was not my favorite. I felt like there were a lot of inconsistencies and time jumps that just kept throwing the story off for me. I really love this group of friends and family and how they always stand by each other. I was glad Shay was able to get love and stability with Mateo while Mateo was able to find love and reason to stay in one place. So much happened in this book but you can tell there is more to come.
December 10, 2021
I thoroughly enjoyed this 6th book in the Lonely Heroes Series. I just love the authors style of writing.
This is an action packed story of mystery and suspense and of course the two main characters have such great chemistry and hot steamy moments. It can be read as a standalone book, but is better enjoyed reading the series in order to understand the dynamics between all the characters in this book and from the previous books.
I received this book as an Advanced Reader's Copy.
This is an action packed story of mystery and suspense and of course the two main characters have such great chemistry and hot steamy moments. It can be read as a standalone book, but is better enjoyed reading the series in order to understand the dynamics between all the characters in this book and from the previous books.
I received this book as an Advanced Reader's Copy.
March 21, 2022
When you need a romantic story with lots of mystery, action, traitors and more!
Shay has been dealt a bad hand "can't pick your parents*. If you survive are your stirring enough to rebuild? Mario a family man there to protect & clean up to keep that protective wall around the family - make them untouchable. However family secrets make it impossible not to mention traitors in the midst. Time for love? MM romance
Shay has been dealt a bad hand "can't pick your parents*. If you survive are your stirring enough to rebuild? Mario a family man there to protect & clean up to keep that protective wall around the family - make them untouchable. However family secrets make it impossible not to mention traitors in the midst. Time for love? MM romance
November 21, 2021
What a fantastic ride! These characters stole my heart, my laughter, and at times my tears. This series is a fantastic world and I live everything about these characters. I am thrilled with these two main characters and love the nicknames for each other. The characters from other books in there series make appearances also and I love this connection.
November 23, 2021
Who would have thought that a hair dresser and a assassin would be a great couple. I really enjoyed this book. There was a lot of action and and the traitor was a twist I did not see coming. This series is best read in order since there was couples from previous books and plots that carried forwards into this book. I can't wait to read the next book in the series.
December 5, 2021
I have enjoyed every book in the Lonely Heroes series and so far, this is the best one. We are introduced to Mateo and Shay. The book is funny and action-packed, sweet, some angst, intense moments and I love seeing Mateo in action. The chemistry between these two is seen throughout the pages and they get their happily ever after. I am looking forward to the next book in this series.
December 10, 2021
A fantastic addition to this series! I’m so glad Shay got his story! He and Mateo were so great together! This was such a well written story with so much action, mystery, intrigue, betrayal, and so many family secrets! I just love all these characters and how they have each other’s backs! A very enjoyable story and I highly recommend. Received arc and am voluntarily leaving an honest review
May 19, 2022
The stories keep getting better and better.
This one had a little more drama for these two. Mateo has had my attention for a while now. Looking forward to his brother soon. Good story. Love how the family keeps growing. To bad Gabe is kind of losing his touch. Family life is changing him. All for the better in some ways but not in all ways.
This one had a little more drama for these two. Mateo has had my attention for a while now. Looking forward to his brother soon. Good story. Love how the family keeps growing. To bad Gabe is kind of losing his touch. Family life is changing him. All for the better in some ways but not in all ways.
October 13, 2023
Two men always ready to protect loved ones!
Mateo, a skilled assassin working for his father, couldn’t be more different than Shay, a gifted hairstylist and successful salon owner from the backwoods of Arkansas. It’s not the most convenient time for them to fall in love. Enjoy their passion and the shocking situations they find themselves in as they protect family and friends!!!
Mateo, a skilled assassin working for his father, couldn’t be more different than Shay, a gifted hairstylist and successful salon owner from the backwoods of Arkansas. It’s not the most convenient time for them to fall in love. Enjoy their passion and the shocking situations they find themselves in as they protect family and friends!!!
January 29, 2023
Mateo & Shay: I read this awhile back but like to write review so I remember what happened. Especially in series that continue. Can’t be this one escaped me. I did really enjoy this book. Mateo taking charge to make sure Shay was safe while allowing him to be exactly who he is.
November 20, 2021
Loved it! Sam E. Kraemer kept my attention from beginning to end. I will have to buy the series and start from the beginning.
November 21, 2021
OMG! This series keeps getting better and better. Loved this story. Can't wait for Bachelor Hero now!
November 22, 2021
3.5
A crazy convoluted plot and complicated characters. You need your wits about you to keep the pertinent details, though there are reminders for the larger plot points.
A crazy convoluted plot and complicated characters. You need your wits about you to keep the pertinent details, though there are reminders for the larger plot points.
November 24, 2021
Great
Another great storyline in the Lonely Heroes series saga...another hot Italian macho male, Mateo..and such a good match for Shay...waiting for the chapter on this saga..
Another great storyline in the Lonely Heroes series saga...another hot Italian macho male, Mateo..and such a good match for Shay...waiting for the chapter on this saga..
Displaying 1 - 30 of 35 reviews