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Cold Case Unit #3
Cold Cases and Bitter Enemies
An unknown enemy wanted to take everything from us.
Graves
I'd spent all of my forty-plus years paying for mistakes when I'd simply been human. Living my life in the shadow of the happiness my friends from the Cold Case Unit found grew harder every day. I didn't mind being the odd one out; didn't mind being considered the unloveable straight-laced-ish one to their mayhem. Acceptance after a lifetime of not measuring up was nice. I'd found my rhythm and my place among the weirdness of my unit. That was until Marcel Douglas the new ego-manic in Homicide decided he had to pick apart every case I'd left behind.
Douglas
Leaving Chicago hadn't been in my plans, but my daughter needed me. I'd do about anything to make her happy. When her mother was transferred out of the States I'd moved so my daughter could stay with her friends—the place she'd come to love. Being at the bottom of the hierarchy and earning respect didn't sit right with my pride. I wasn't afraid to admit that. And I'd made one hell of an enemy. Graves and his Cold Case Unit frustrated me and I didn't understand their method. A series of body dumps brought me back to Graves for help, but he wasn't feeling charitable.
We'd thought we were our biggest and bitterest enemies until the threats came, could we work together before the man gunning for us could finish the job?
Graves
I'd spent all of my forty-plus years paying for mistakes when I'd simply been human. Living my life in the shadow of the happiness my friends from the Cold Case Unit found grew harder every day. I didn't mind being the odd one out; didn't mind being considered the unloveable straight-laced-ish one to their mayhem. Acceptance after a lifetime of not measuring up was nice. I'd found my rhythm and my place among the weirdness of my unit. That was until Marcel Douglas the new ego-manic in Homicide decided he had to pick apart every case I'd left behind.
Douglas
Leaving Chicago hadn't been in my plans, but my daughter needed me. I'd do about anything to make her happy. When her mother was transferred out of the States I'd moved so my daughter could stay with her friends—the place she'd come to love. Being at the bottom of the hierarchy and earning respect didn't sit right with my pride. I wasn't afraid to admit that. And I'd made one hell of an enemy. Graves and his Cold Case Unit frustrated me and I didn't understand their method. A series of body dumps brought me back to Graves for help, but he wasn't feeling charitable.
We'd thought we were our biggest and bitterest enemies until the threats came, could we work together before the man gunning for us could finish the job?
- GenresM M RomanceContemporary
300 pages, Kindle Edition
First published April 5, 2022
12 people are currently reading
54 people want to read
About the author
J.M. Dabney
59 books640 followersUSA Today Bestselling author J.M. Dabney is a multi-genre published writer of Body and Fat Positive Romance & Fiction. They live with a constant diverse cast of diverse characters in their head. They live for one purpose alone, and that’s to make sure everyone gets the happily ever after they deserve. There is nothing more they want from telling their stories than to show that no matter the package the characters come in or the damage their pasts have done, that love is love. That normal is never normal and sometimes the so-called broken can still be beautiful.
The author is Non-Binary and uses the pronouns They/Them.
The author is Non-Binary and uses the pronouns They/Them.
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Displaying 1 - 28 of 28 reviews
April 2, 2022
Simon Graves and Marcel Douglas, they started out disliking each other. It didn’t get better until they learned that maybe enemies to lovers could be a thing.
Very good whodunnit. I had my suspicions early but I was wrong. Kept me guessing.
I thought the asexual storyline was well done. In fact, all the varied couplings have been well done in the series. This author has created such a diverse group of found family. The camaraderie and love between them all is palpable. I love their reactions when someone new joins the group.
The only problem I have is waiting for the next in the series. No pressure.
I received an arc of this book.
Very good whodunnit. I had my suspicions early but I was wrong. Kept me guessing.
I thought the asexual storyline was well done. In fact, all the varied couplings have been well done in the series. This author has created such a diverse group of found family. The camaraderie and love between them all is palpable. I love their reactions when someone new joins the group.
The only problem I have is waiting for the next in the series. No pressure.
I received an arc of this book.
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April 18, 2022I have no idea where I read it but to make a long story short, I was not such a fan of all the... shades of kink? Like the series was trying to get a little bit of everything which is a matter of taste (and really, the second book was less to my taste than this, I think) but that means that as long as this gets you going, I would say this is a good book, solid characters, interesting plot, just didn't really click with me and my tastes.
April 5, 2022
“Cold Cases and Bitter Enemies” is amazing and my favorite novel in the “Cold Case Unit” series by J.M. Dabney!
Simon Graves and Marcel Douglas have had a shaky work relationship. The more Douglas worked with the Cold Case Unit his views started to change. But he and Graves have rubbed each other the wrong way and the never-ending teasing and snark wars were in full swing. The more Douglas works with Simon, he knows he’s a brilliant investigator. As he finds out more about Graves, he tones down the teasing and tries to work on just a friendship and earn Graves’ trust. But no matter how Douglas tries to fight his feelings for Simon they just keep growing.
Graves has his reasons for living his solitary life. At forty-three he’s nothing, he believes no one really cares about him. He believes he’s done everything possible and is prepared to accept whatever happens to him. The only connection to a true family is the Cold Case Unit, they’ve accepted him with open arms but he still struggles with closeness. Outside of being an investigator he has many responsibilities at the Outreach. He loves the kids, especially little Amber.
When Douglas and his teenage daughter Savannah visit Simon at the Outreach, they get the first class tour. Simon is impressed with Savannah and a bond starts to form. When little Amber comes into the picture Douglas sees Graves in a new light. As Savannah’s interest in the Outreach grows, Simon is more than happy to introduce her to all the different types of people and what the Outreach can provide for them to make life a little better.
As Douglas has a case of bodies being dumped he and Graves dig further into the body dumps in the vicinity of certain crime lord establishments. The case becomes personal as someone has crossed the line, and put loved ones in danger. The Cold Case Unit will come together, once again, to protect their family.
Thank You, J.M.Dabney! “Cold Cases and Bitter Enemies” is outstanding and the cover art is perfect! I love this heart-felt story about Marcel Douglas and Simon Graves and two new shining stars: Savannah and Amber.
Throughout the “Cold Case Unit” series J.M. Dabney has presented an in-depth look into the different types of relationships and understanding of the LGBT+ gender identities. This one was excellent with Douglas a pansexual and Graves asexual. It was heart wrenching to hear Douglas’ thoughts about the growing attraction to someone that he really cares for and never knowing if those feelings were the same. Graves is so filled with love but never had that love returned. His upbringing has always made him feel he was a nobody. The emotions from both Douglas and Graves are truly heartbreaking at moments.
The author created a criminal case that is very well plotted. It really projects a clear step by step investigation that Graves and Douglas build to find a solution. The entire novel is well written and melds action and danger with a special kind of warmth and those moments of humor.
So many great characters make this an entertaining novel: Donna ex-wife of Douglas and Savannah’s Mother; Gladys, Boss, Sharp, Mama Sue, Crime Boss: Carmine Bianchi, Tony, Seamus Finnegan. Of course the members of Cold Case Unit: Robert, Remy, Doc, Carter, Vega and Zero. I have to mention those furry companions to: Jupiter and Moriarty.
From book two “Cold Cases and Dark Secrets” I found two intriguing characters Marcel Douglas and Dolan Sharp. Now that Marcel Douglas got his story, I can’t imagine what J.M. Dabney will create for Dolan Sharp. There’s only one thing to do and that’s wait for book four “Cold Cases and Bruised Hearts”!
Simon Graves and Marcel Douglas have had a shaky work relationship. The more Douglas worked with the Cold Case Unit his views started to change. But he and Graves have rubbed each other the wrong way and the never-ending teasing and snark wars were in full swing. The more Douglas works with Simon, he knows he’s a brilliant investigator. As he finds out more about Graves, he tones down the teasing and tries to work on just a friendship and earn Graves’ trust. But no matter how Douglas tries to fight his feelings for Simon they just keep growing.
Graves has his reasons for living his solitary life. At forty-three he’s nothing, he believes no one really cares about him. He believes he’s done everything possible and is prepared to accept whatever happens to him. The only connection to a true family is the Cold Case Unit, they’ve accepted him with open arms but he still struggles with closeness. Outside of being an investigator he has many responsibilities at the Outreach. He loves the kids, especially little Amber.
When Douglas and his teenage daughter Savannah visit Simon at the Outreach, they get the first class tour. Simon is impressed with Savannah and a bond starts to form. When little Amber comes into the picture Douglas sees Graves in a new light. As Savannah’s interest in the Outreach grows, Simon is more than happy to introduce her to all the different types of people and what the Outreach can provide for them to make life a little better.
As Douglas has a case of bodies being dumped he and Graves dig further into the body dumps in the vicinity of certain crime lord establishments. The case becomes personal as someone has crossed the line, and put loved ones in danger. The Cold Case Unit will come together, once again, to protect their family.
Thank You, J.M.Dabney! “Cold Cases and Bitter Enemies” is outstanding and the cover art is perfect! I love this heart-felt story about Marcel Douglas and Simon Graves and two new shining stars: Savannah and Amber.
Throughout the “Cold Case Unit” series J.M. Dabney has presented an in-depth look into the different types of relationships and understanding of the LGBT+ gender identities. This one was excellent with Douglas a pansexual and Graves asexual. It was heart wrenching to hear Douglas’ thoughts about the growing attraction to someone that he really cares for and never knowing if those feelings were the same. Graves is so filled with love but never had that love returned. His upbringing has always made him feel he was a nobody. The emotions from both Douglas and Graves are truly heartbreaking at moments.
The author created a criminal case that is very well plotted. It really projects a clear step by step investigation that Graves and Douglas build to find a solution. The entire novel is well written and melds action and danger with a special kind of warmth and those moments of humor.
So many great characters make this an entertaining novel: Donna ex-wife of Douglas and Savannah’s Mother; Gladys, Boss, Sharp, Mama Sue, Crime Boss: Carmine Bianchi, Tony, Seamus Finnegan. Of course the members of Cold Case Unit: Robert, Remy, Doc, Carter, Vega and Zero. I have to mention those furry companions to: Jupiter and Moriarty.
From book two “Cold Cases and Dark Secrets” I found two intriguing characters Marcel Douglas and Dolan Sharp. Now that Marcel Douglas got his story, I can’t imagine what J.M. Dabney will create for Dolan Sharp. There’s only one thing to do and that’s wait for book four “Cold Cases and Bruised Hearts”!
December 26, 2022
Fantastic!
This series is amazing. In this book, bodies are being dropped outside of known mafia hot-spots and Det. Douglas has to figure it out. Cold Case files Det. Graves gets enmeshed in the puzzle, and the plot thickens! The start of the story builds on the animosity from the previous story, but we quickly see that miscommunication and misconceptions of personality traits are at fault. Douglas just wants to figure Graves out but can’t seem to connect with him. Seriously, this series features solid detective work and fascinating people. We finally find out why Graves is so uptight and a bit of a mystery, and how he and Douglas finally come to mean more to each other. I love that there is always a different dynamic in these stories (Daddy/sub, Daddy/Little, Asexual/unusual sexual needs that match). Also, each couple is at least over 40, some mid 50’s, showing that fulfilling romantic life doesn’t have to stop before mid-life or silver hair. I do wish there was a better editing team on this series though. Still finding a lot of obvious mistakes in grammar and spell-checking (it’s like auto-correct fudged up some of the great writing). Other than that, this story is gold star worthy.
This series is amazing. In this book, bodies are being dropped outside of known mafia hot-spots and Det. Douglas has to figure it out. Cold Case files Det. Graves gets enmeshed in the puzzle, and the plot thickens! The start of the story builds on the animosity from the previous story, but we quickly see that miscommunication and misconceptions of personality traits are at fault. Douglas just wants to figure Graves out but can’t seem to connect with him. Seriously, this series features solid detective work and fascinating people. We finally find out why Graves is so uptight and a bit of a mystery, and how he and Douglas finally come to mean more to each other. I love that there is always a different dynamic in these stories (Daddy/sub, Daddy/Little, Asexual/unusual sexual needs that match). Also, each couple is at least over 40, some mid 50’s, showing that fulfilling romantic life doesn’t have to stop before mid-life or silver hair. I do wish there was a better editing team on this series though. Still finding a lot of obvious mistakes in grammar and spell-checking (it’s like auto-correct fudged up some of the great writing). Other than that, this story is gold star worthy.
April 7, 2022
4.25 Stars!
I devoured this book. Graves and Douglas haven't seen eye to eye since they first met. I loved how Douglas kept trying to understand how Graves worked, but eventually accepted that he had to work things out on his time scale in his own way, whether it was work related or personal. I loved how much Douglas's family accepted Graves as one of their own and did their best to convince Douglas to keep trying. I loved the patience Douglas had and how he showed Graves affection and love without pressuring him. Douglas accepted Graves as he was and proved it to Graves.
I felt for Graves. After his visit with his parents, I could understand why he he does the things he does and why he thinks no one will miss him. I was glad when he finally realized that the Cold Case unit and numerous others have his back. His protectiveness of those he cares about was amazing. His working relationship with Carmine was interesting, and I hope that we see more of Carmine in the future.
The Cold Case unit is a unique family. I love the acceptance and support that they all have for each other. I seriously can't wait for the next book in this series.
I devoured this book. Graves and Douglas haven't seen eye to eye since they first met. I loved how Douglas kept trying to understand how Graves worked, but eventually accepted that he had to work things out on his time scale in his own way, whether it was work related or personal. I loved how much Douglas's family accepted Graves as one of their own and did their best to convince Douglas to keep trying. I loved the patience Douglas had and how he showed Graves affection and love without pressuring him. Douglas accepted Graves as he was and proved it to Graves.
I felt for Graves. After his visit with his parents, I could understand why he he does the things he does and why he thinks no one will miss him. I was glad when he finally realized that the Cold Case unit and numerous others have his back. His protectiveness of those he cares about was amazing. His working relationship with Carmine was interesting, and I hope that we see more of Carmine in the future.
The Cold Case unit is a unique family. I love the acceptance and support that they all have for each other. I seriously can't wait for the next book in this series.
April 9, 2022
These two men are so stubborn and pig headed, how could you not fall in love with them. Simon and Marcel are so stubborn that neither realizes that the other has feelings for them. Add in the Cold Case family, an ex-wife, and a sassy teenage daughter, and it makes it hilarious. I felt bad for Simon and how he was treated by his parents, he was a possession, a shiny possession that they used. It was heartbreaking to read about it, but Marcel, Savannah, the Outreach family, and the cold case family pulling together to prove he was worthy of love made me happy and sad at the same time. The case they were working on had me guessing the whole time about who did it, and why. When the plot is revealed and the players involved I wanted to throat punch the “villains” with a knife. I absolutely love reading and learning more about Asexuals. I think relationships miss out on intimacy because they are so worried about the sex part. I think intimacy is the best part of a relationship. I can’t wait to read more.
June 22, 2025
Simon Graves has a problem and his name is Marcel Douglas. Simon moved down with three other detectives to the Cold Case Unit, but doesn't seem to quite fit in with the dynamic of the other couples. He's carefully curated a straight appearance to the outside world, but really couldn't care less. When Marcel criticizes his work they come into conflict. Marcel is new to the force having moved to care for his daughter. When bodies start showing up with no clear connection to the property owners he’s forced to seek out the assistance of the Cold Case Unit and their connections to solve the case. Marcel can't quite explain it but despite his animosity to Simon he's strangely attracted to him. As the case progresses they have to work together and see the person behind the mask and eventually the comfort they can offer each other. An excellent continuation of the series.
April 5, 2022
I enjoyed this book so much! This is the 3rd book in the Cold Case Unit series. Each book is a different couple. This book is about Simon Graves and Marcel Douglas. They did got off on the wrong foot when they first met and irritated each other by existing. But they are working together to try and solve a case and learn about each other in the process. I enjoyed the found family and community that was built. I enjoyed read about an asexual character and seeing how he struggles a bit with thinking he’s enough for someone to love.
January 7, 2023
At this point I think I read a big part of j m's work and they never let me down
I'm not big on the daddy-boy dynamic but they somehow make it work
But this one?? Ohhhh this one was a treat to read
I like the fact that there was no "magical cure" for Graves' asexuality and the very few times the couple sexually interacted were very clear graves only wanted to make Douglas feel good and that he didn't have that strong impulse to also feel good, he was content just like that
Overall all the fluff was perfect
I'm not big on the daddy-boy dynamic but they somehow make it work
But this one?? Ohhhh this one was a treat to read
I like the fact that there was no "magical cure" for Graves' asexuality and the very few times the couple sexually interacted were very clear graves only wanted to make Douglas feel good and that he didn't have that strong impulse to also feel good, he was content just like that
Overall all the fluff was perfect
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
April 4, 2022
There is so much to love about this book. I adore this series and was super excited for Graves and Douglas. I kind of fell a little in love with them both in Doc’s book but I’ve fallen all the way in love now. They might actually be my favourites (although Doc still holds a very special place in my heart). It was so nice to see such a well-written asexual romance. It can be difficult to find (not impossible, there are some amazing authors out there, but it’s often hard to find them) and this was really well done. Beyond that though there was everything else I really enjoy about JM’s books. Beyond the story itself being really engaging the found family that the cold case team has made is one of my favourite things. I love found family and JM’s books always make me feel so warm and fuzzy in that respect. The only problem is now I want more!
April 5, 2022
For me the better of this series , when you begin you have to finish it! The characters are really endearing and we quickly identify with their feelings and concerns. The subject is black as often with JM but that's what makes his characters so human. I love that Douglas and Graves are older, have a life behind them. We are pleased to find the entire Cold Cases team, always as fun, supportive and effective.
Go for it!
Go for it!
April 6, 2022
Simon and Marcel's book is the third one in the Cold Cases Unit Book. They started out as enemies but eventually ended in a relationship. Marcel is trying to stop a serial killer but needs Simon's help because of the ties that he has in the streets. The book is romantic, witty, some angst, sweet, action-packed and some intense moments and you will be surprised who did it. The book had my attention from start to finish.
April 21, 2023
This is the third in the series and by far the best one so far. Interesting, well-developed characters; rich world-building; and a plot that just kept on twisting with more than a couple of "did not see that coming" moments.
I loved that this romance was built around a pansexual and an asexual -we, as readers, rarely get this exposure. The author not only delivered the romance but built the heat.
I loved that this romance was built around a pansexual and an asexual -we, as readers, rarely get this exposure. The author not only delivered the romance but built the heat.
April 8, 2022
This story has a love/hate relationship and a mystery thrown in. I thought this asexual story line was done really well. There is of course the appearance of the other characters from the previous books showing up. They have made quite the family for themselves.
I am looking forward to the next in the series
I am looking forward to the next in the series
April 8, 2022
3.5 Stars ~ I enjoyed this story and the characters very much. I’m still struggling with the way this author writes as following the dialogue can be difficult. I mean, in terms of who’s saying what. It can get frustrating, at least for me.
I liked Simon and Marcel very much and think the author did a great job with their respective sexualities.
I liked Simon and Marcel very much and think the author did a great job with their respective sexualities.
March 29, 2024
It was an ok book for the romance. It was interesting to read about asexuality. Douglas and Simon were a good match.
What annoyed me was Simon's parents ! I hate books who portray caricatural characters. His parents were so bad that it kept putting me out of the story. I rolled my eyes so much ! 🙄🙄
What annoyed me was Simon's parents ! I hate books who portray caricatural characters. His parents were so bad that it kept putting me out of the story. I rolled my eyes so much ! 🙄🙄
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
March 31, 2022
I absolutely loved this!!! It's a love story of a asexual (Simon) and pansexual (Marcel Douglas) couple. There's not a lot of good asexual romances out there but this one was awesome... Another great read from this author.
April 9, 2022
Loved this story of Graves and Douglas! The criminal case is creepy and absorbing, but it is watching these two prickly men create a found family that made this a definite re-read for me and ensures that this stays a one-click series.
April 11, 2022
Graves and Douglas 2 men who have some obstacles to face and i love the connection they have its a rocky road for them but its well worth reading and the story plot was great. I love unit series can't wait to read the next book
April 5, 2022
This is a great addition to the Cold Case Series. From start to finish, it had a great storyline and brought back all our favorite characters.
April 9, 2022
Another great addition to this series! Can’t wait for the one!
April 12, 2022
Brilliant
I have to say I love this series so much. This book definitely my favourite so far had so many twists and turns through put out it kept me on my toes.
I have to say I love this series so much. This book definitely my favourite so far had so many twists and turns through put out it kept me on my toes.
May 10, 2022
Enjoyed Marcel and Simon's story. Story was well-written, and fun to read. Kept my attention throughout. Recommend reading.
August 2, 2022
I thoroughly enjoyed reading this. This is a fabulous author and the characters are great. The storyline is well written and keeps you reading from the beginning to end.
October 22, 2022
Good read
I enjoyed this book, I liked catching up with characters from previous books. The storyline was interesting even if it was all a bit convoluted plus I liked the humour.
I enjoyed this book, I liked catching up with characters from previous books. The storyline was interesting even if it was all a bit convoluted plus I liked the humour.
September 5, 2022
Who else is already waiting for the book about Boss and Sharp? And how Carmine met his husband?
Displaying 1 - 28 of 28 reviews