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Jake's Bar #1
End of the Line
Opposites Attract…T R O U B L E…
Jake Devlin knows trouble when he sees it and he wants no part of it. His quiet, peaceful life is a hard-fought dream. And the man who stumbles through the backdoor of Jake’s bar—beaten to hell—he is trouble with a capital T. The last thing Jake needs is to get involved with the sexy and secretive stranger. He definitely shouldn’t offer him a place to stay. But…he does…
Murder and mayhem follow Detective Miguel Conway. One minute he’s working a case, and the next, his cover is blown and he barely escapes with his life. Con didn’t expect Jake to offer help when he needs it most. And he definitely wasn’t prepared to fall for the grumpy ex-Marine. But…he does…
Attraction sparks as the two men are thrown together to figure out who wants to keep Con quiet and why. Well, at least Con is trying to solve his case. Jake is mainly trying to protect the young, impulsive cop. Midnight stakeouts, a celebrity wedding, and passion-filled nights—can Jake and Con find the balance between taking risks and keeping safe? And turn attraction into happily ever after?
But none of that matters if they fail to get the target off Con’s back…
Series: End of the Line, Book 1 in the award-winning Jake’s Bar series, is a steamy, M/M romantic suspense featuring a rainbow-colored bar full of quirky characters, and all the romance you can handle. So, download today, and get ready to fall in love with Jake’s Bar.
Jake Devlin knows trouble when he sees it and he wants no part of it. His quiet, peaceful life is a hard-fought dream. And the man who stumbles through the backdoor of Jake’s bar—beaten to hell—he is trouble with a capital T. The last thing Jake needs is to get involved with the sexy and secretive stranger. He definitely shouldn’t offer him a place to stay. But…he does…
Murder and mayhem follow Detective Miguel Conway. One minute he’s working a case, and the next, his cover is blown and he barely escapes with his life. Con didn’t expect Jake to offer help when he needs it most. And he definitely wasn’t prepared to fall for the grumpy ex-Marine. But…he does…
Attraction sparks as the two men are thrown together to figure out who wants to keep Con quiet and why. Well, at least Con is trying to solve his case. Jake is mainly trying to protect the young, impulsive cop. Midnight stakeouts, a celebrity wedding, and passion-filled nights—can Jake and Con find the balance between taking risks and keeping safe? And turn attraction into happily ever after?
But none of that matters if they fail to get the target off Con’s back…
Series: End of the Line, Book 1 in the award-winning Jake’s Bar series, is a steamy, M/M romantic suspense featuring a rainbow-colored bar full of quirky characters, and all the romance you can handle. So, download today, and get ready to fall in love with Jake’s Bar.
257 pages, Kindle Edition
First published July 7, 2022
16 people are currently reading
102 people want to read
About the author
A.G. Meiers
14 books34 followersEighteen years ago, AG Meiers came to the US for adventure and stayed for love. Currently, she lives in New England with her husband and two awesome kids—balancing work, friends and family, and writing.
As a writer she loves to put her characters through a lot of challenges, conflict and heartbreak, before she allows them to find their happy-ever-after.
As a writer she loves to put her characters through a lot of challenges, conflict and heartbreak, before she allows them to find their happy-ever-after.
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Displaying 1 - 27 of 27 reviews
July 13, 2022
He would never admit it to anyone, but Jake Devlin truly does love his life as the owner of a quiet gay bar in Boston. He's not the type to go looking for trouble or even invite it in, but when someone comes in needing his help, Jake will do whatever he can to make sure the man is safe. However, without asking any questions, Jake isn't sure what the man is hiding.
Miguel "Con" Conway's life is the opposite of Jake's. Full of mystery and mayhem, Con is just trying to stay alive for another hour. After his cover is blown during an undercover operation, Con is almost at the end of the line. When the grumpy bartender opens the door and offers him help, Con can't help but take advantage of the situation.
Despite the questions that both men have about the situation, sparks fly between the two men. However, both know that it is safer just to keep each other at arm's length, or else someone will end up getting hurt. No matter how hard they try, they just can't stay apart, even with the giant target on Con's back.
I read the description of this one, and I was immediately excited about it. It grabbed my attention from the very first chapter and refused to let it go. For 70% of the book, I had no idea who the leak was, but I finally connected the dots just before the main characters figured it out for themselves. Meiers did a great job of leaving enough clues in the story but also not making it obvious who it was. While I greatly enjoyed the mystery, my favorite part of this was the romance. Jake and Con are both very flawed individuals who refuse to let down their carefully crafted walls for anyone, but they both find themselves letting the other in unconditionally and without question.
This was my first read from A. G. Meiers, and it certainly won't be the last. Thank you to the author for providing a free copy of this book in exchange for a review!
Miguel "Con" Conway's life is the opposite of Jake's. Full of mystery and mayhem, Con is just trying to stay alive for another hour. After his cover is blown during an undercover operation, Con is almost at the end of the line. When the grumpy bartender opens the door and offers him help, Con can't help but take advantage of the situation.
Despite the questions that both men have about the situation, sparks fly between the two men. However, both know that it is safer just to keep each other at arm's length, or else someone will end up getting hurt. No matter how hard they try, they just can't stay apart, even with the giant target on Con's back.
I read the description of this one, and I was immediately excited about it. It grabbed my attention from the very first chapter and refused to let it go. For 70% of the book, I had no idea who the leak was, but I finally connected the dots just before the main characters figured it out for themselves. Meiers did a great job of leaving enough clues in the story but also not making it obvious who it was. While I greatly enjoyed the mystery, my favorite part of this was the romance. Jake and Con are both very flawed individuals who refuse to let down their carefully crafted walls for anyone, but they both find themselves letting the other in unconditionally and without question.
This was my first read from A. G. Meiers, and it certainly won't be the last. Thank you to the author for providing a free copy of this book in exchange for a review!
July 3, 2022
A first read for this author with this book.
A great first chapter and got my intrigue right up with Con trying to hide.
Con 28 yrs uncover cop was on the run after a job had gone wrong and now someone were after him. A drama was to figure out who to trust after his last operation was a bust and who set Con up.
Jake owned JDs Bar and was expecting Connor to come help with attending behind the bar since beginning short staffed.
Questions arise of who and what happened to the original Con that was supposed to turn up at the bar.
A great story that had potential but the narrative and telling throughout spoilt it for me to connect with the characters in the first half.
Con was to be trouble but I'd say he was complicated with who he was for Jake. But Jake’s offering no questions at the start but that gets more in-depth as feelings and strange occurrences start.
Ex-militiary, undercover questions, intrigue, verse sexualities, and more..
A good ending with dramas of the final peices of the mystery falls into place for the bad guys.
HEA with dual povs.
ARC provided by Gay Book Promotions.
A great first chapter and got my intrigue right up with Con trying to hide.
Con 28 yrs uncover cop was on the run after a job had gone wrong and now someone were after him. A drama was to figure out who to trust after his last operation was a bust and who set Con up.
Jake owned JDs Bar and was expecting Connor to come help with attending behind the bar since beginning short staffed.
Questions arise of who and what happened to the original Con that was supposed to turn up at the bar.
A great story that had potential but the narrative and telling throughout spoilt it for me to connect with the characters in the first half.
Con was to be trouble but I'd say he was complicated with who he was for Jake. But Jake’s offering no questions at the start but that gets more in-depth as feelings and strange occurrences start.
Ex-militiary, undercover questions, intrigue, verse sexualities, and more..
A good ending with dramas of the final peices of the mystery falls into place for the bad guys.
HEA with dual povs.
ARC provided by Gay Book Promotions.
August 8, 2022
A Joyfully Jay review.
3.75 stars
End of the Line is the first in the Jake’s Bar series and it contains a cast of characters, including the main protagonists, whom I assume we’ll get to see more of going forward, including Con’s partner Holden and the rest of the bar crew. End of the Line started off strong and I found the plot initially engaging, but it ultimately struggled with pacing issues and finding its purpose.
Con and Jake are the primary focus of this book and while neither was as well developed or as emotionally deep as I prefer, they were relatively well rounded. Their connection is definitely more about lust than anything else and while the potential for a long-term relationship is hinted out, things develop far too quickly for much believability. Still, they’re an enjoyable couple and I appreciated the circumstances that brought them together and kept them there.
Read Sue’s review in its entirety here.
3.75 stars
End of the Line is the first in the Jake’s Bar series and it contains a cast of characters, including the main protagonists, whom I assume we’ll get to see more of going forward, including Con’s partner Holden and the rest of the bar crew. End of the Line started off strong and I found the plot initially engaging, but it ultimately struggled with pacing issues and finding its purpose.
Con and Jake are the primary focus of this book and while neither was as well developed or as emotionally deep as I prefer, they were relatively well rounded. Their connection is definitely more about lust than anything else and while the potential for a long-term relationship is hinted out, things develop far too quickly for much believability. Still, they’re an enjoyable couple and I appreciated the circumstances that brought them together and kept them there.
Read Sue’s review in its entirety here.
July 10, 2022
I was on the same page with Con on who we believed the leak was...
Not saying anything more about that
IMO the relationship and the suspense were well interwoven
Jake and Con were opposites yet alike in so many ways that they fit - perfectly
I enjoyed that there really weren't a lot of games between them and they developed naturally
Everything happens pretty quick and if you blink (aware it's a book but hopefully you get the gest) you will miss the hints and little innuendos that made this such an edge of your seat, laugh out loud, OMG, Ahhhh, romantic suspense
Great supporting characters
I love Jazz and can't wait for their story
Sheldon needs a daddy; that kid is all over the place
Brent needs to stop being a minion
Not sure I trust a certain bigoted IA guy
And a hundred more thoughts
Solid lead into book two which I'm excited for.
Not saying anything more about that
IMO the relationship and the suspense were well interwoven
Jake and Con were opposites yet alike in so many ways that they fit - perfectly
I enjoyed that there really weren't a lot of games between them and they developed naturally
Everything happens pretty quick and if you blink (aware it's a book but hopefully you get the gest) you will miss the hints and little innuendos that made this such an edge of your seat, laugh out loud, OMG, Ahhhh, romantic suspense
Great supporting characters
I love Jazz and can't wait for their story
Sheldon needs a daddy; that kid is all over the place
Brent needs to stop being a minion
Not sure I trust a certain bigoted IA guy
And a hundred more thoughts
Solid lead into book two which I'm excited for.
June 29, 2022
This is one of those impossible to set down stories. A detective in trouble hides in a gay bar and the single bar owner has an instant attraction to him. This is one of those romance stories that I know where it is going. It is just the journey getting there that is in question. This journey had so much fun and heartbreak in it. The main characters are both lovable. Their interaction is entertaining and at times depressing. Some of the secondary characters made me laugh while some of the others gave me good and bad feelings. I seem to have felt something all the way through this story. The story flow is constant. The character development is good. The background of the characters let me know what made them the way they are. The twists and turns are handled leaving no questions. I will put this author on my watch list.
July 7, 2022
I liked the idea of this story a lot, and there are plenty of narrative twists and turns to follow. Jake is, as a character, easy to like. His bar is delightful and the staff/supporting characters are pure gold. Con/Miguel crashes into their world with the force of a hurricane and, while he has his moments, for the most part he was my least favorite part of the story. Do I get why he’s impulsive, self-centered, and issue-driven? Yes, definitely– but I still wanted to tell him, half the time, exactly where he can shove the silver spoon he clearly doesn’t realize he’s still clinging to so hard. He talks about being raised in a family that put a price on everything and that uses words as weapons, but I don’t think he fully realizes how much he’s a product of and embodiment of that privilege, no matter what his intentions are. I sympathized with him at times, but found him hard to like, and that got worse, not better, with every outburst and half-baked plan over the course of the novel.
Still, Jake and his caring, grumpy, intuitiveness is worth sticking around for, and for the most part, I did really enjoy the book. I am going to ding it slightly, however, for a slightly ridiculous amount of ageism– Jake is 38 years old and is ubiquitously thought of an referred to as the “old man”-- not only his early-twenties employees (understandably, and kinda humorously) but also by Con and various members of Con’s friends and family. This is weird since Con is 1) only a decade younger and 2) is supposedly mature enough to be a detective on the police force. It’s already implausible that Con and Holden, in their late twenties, would have made the rank of detective (although there’s a fair amount of nepotism and favoritism in both their backgrounds, so…) but also, really? 38? That’s where we’re drawing the line for ancient now? It felt exaggerated and contrived to me, like it was necessary to play up the age gap as part of the taboo aspect of the relationship–when really the difference in class/background/approach to life separates the two of them more firmly than a decade is ever going to.
All in all, I’m excited for another book in the series, which will hopefully have lots more of Jake and company.
*I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book.
Still, Jake and his caring, grumpy, intuitiveness is worth sticking around for, and for the most part, I did really enjoy the book. I am going to ding it slightly, however, for a slightly ridiculous amount of ageism– Jake is 38 years old and is ubiquitously thought of an referred to as the “old man”-- not only his early-twenties employees (understandably, and kinda humorously) but also by Con and various members of Con’s friends and family. This is weird since Con is 1) only a decade younger and 2) is supposedly mature enough to be a detective on the police force. It’s already implausible that Con and Holden, in their late twenties, would have made the rank of detective (although there’s a fair amount of nepotism and favoritism in both their backgrounds, so…) but also, really? 38? That’s where we’re drawing the line for ancient now? It felt exaggerated and contrived to me, like it was necessary to play up the age gap as part of the taboo aspect of the relationship–when really the difference in class/background/approach to life separates the two of them more firmly than a decade is ever going to.
All in all, I’m excited for another book in the series, which will hopefully have lots more of Jake and company.
*I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book.
July 8, 2022
First off, I want Jake's bar in my neighborhood. I loved the author's creation of this amazing place and all its customers - superb world building. The story uses the bar background beautifully along with one of my favorite tropes, hurt/comfort. When Jake helps Con by taking him in and letting him hide as waiter in the bar while he tries to solve the mystery of who blew his cover and how he's going to prevent himself from getting killed it's only natural that when sparks fly between him and Jake that Jake's military side kicks in and he wants to be involved too. The romance and mystery aspects are both well developed and I can't wait to read more in this series.
June 29, 2022
Miguel Conway is a undercover detective. Unfortunately his cover was blown. A case of mistaken identity led to him hiding out in Jake’s bar as a waiter/jack of all trades. Hiding is the only option Con has, reaching out could be dangerous. He could of found a better place to disappear in but Jake pushes all his buttons and he really wants the buttons pushed. Con knows he needs to trust someone, it just a question
I loved the differences in Con and Jake and how they managed to mesh their lives together. Jake’s past wasn’t the easiest one while Con’s had been one of privilege. Jake had made his bar into a home for himself and his employees and to a certain extent his customers. Con was really struggling to fit into his role as a policeman and balancing what his parents (mostly his mother) expected of him without compromising his conscience.
Nice book with likable characters and a intriguing storyline. I liked the secondary characters as well. Not much angst and not a lot of background but I didn’t feel that detracted from the story.
Review Copy requested and reviewed on behalf of OMGReads.
I loved the differences in Con and Jake and how they managed to mesh their lives together. Jake’s past wasn’t the easiest one while Con’s had been one of privilege. Jake had made his bar into a home for himself and his employees and to a certain extent his customers. Con was really struggling to fit into his role as a policeman and balancing what his parents (mostly his mother) expected of him without compromising his conscience.
Nice book with likable characters and a intriguing storyline. I liked the secondary characters as well. Not much angst and not a lot of background but I didn’t feel that detracted from the story.
Review Copy requested and reviewed on behalf of OMGReads.
December 30, 2023
End of the Line - Unexpected Attraction
“Yes.” Jake didn’t hesitate. For a moment, they just looked at each other and the whole rest of the world seemed to melt away. Then, Jake stepped forward and pulled Con into his arms again. He leaned in, but then stopped just short of the kiss. “Yes.” This time the word was just a rough whisper. Con closed the gap. Soft lips. Jake’s tongue demanding entrance. A scrape of scruff and then a low moan that seemed to tear free from the bottom of Con’s soul. This wasn’t a kiss. This was something different altogether, and Con was ready to lose himself.‘
In the first book of AG Meiers’ Jake’s Bar series, End of the Line, Con finds himself injured and outed in an undercover police operation. As luck (or destiny) would have it, he finds himself saved by the handsome bar owner. Keeping himself hidden, he works to find out who blew his cover, so everyone is suspect.
Grumpy Jake finds a beaten man at his bar’s back door, and thinking he is a substitute worker, he invites him into his bar and irrationally, his heart.
A great beginning to what I suspect will be a fabulous series!
“Yes.” Jake didn’t hesitate. For a moment, they just looked at each other and the whole rest of the world seemed to melt away. Then, Jake stepped forward and pulled Con into his arms again. He leaned in, but then stopped just short of the kiss. “Yes.” This time the word was just a rough whisper. Con closed the gap. Soft lips. Jake’s tongue demanding entrance. A scrape of scruff and then a low moan that seemed to tear free from the bottom of Con’s soul. This wasn’t a kiss. This was something different altogether, and Con was ready to lose himself.‘
In the first book of AG Meiers’ Jake’s Bar series, End of the Line, Con finds himself injured and outed in an undercover police operation. As luck (or destiny) would have it, he finds himself saved by the handsome bar owner. Keeping himself hidden, he works to find out who blew his cover, so everyone is suspect.
Grumpy Jake finds a beaten man at his bar’s back door, and thinking he is a substitute worker, he invites him into his bar and irrationally, his heart.
A great beginning to what I suspect will be a fabulous series!
July 11, 2022
I've enjoyed every book I've read by this author and the new story is no exception. End of the Line is the perfect combination of romance, intrigue and humor. Detective Conway “Con” needs a place to hide for a few days after an undercover assignment went wrong and he ends up at the backdoor of Jake Devlin’s bar. The two men are thrown together to figure out why Con’s cover was blown and who is after him.
Jake is a gruff loner who keeps everyone at a distance, but Con has a way to get through his walls. Layer by layer he reveals Jake’s secrets and the reasons he doesn’t trust easily. The romance is packed with sizzling attraction as Opposites Attracts should be, and there are no silly understandings, but many moments full of real connection. I absolutely loved Con’s ability to speak up when needed. So refreshing.
The cast of secondary characters is phenomenal and makes this book so much fun to read. Jake’s Bar is an awesome place. Open and accepting. The staff quirky and colorful (non-binary Jazz is my absolute favorite). I pre-ordered book 2 already!
Jake is a gruff loner who keeps everyone at a distance, but Con has a way to get through his walls. Layer by layer he reveals Jake’s secrets and the reasons he doesn’t trust easily. The romance is packed with sizzling attraction as Opposites Attracts should be, and there are no silly understandings, but many moments full of real connection. I absolutely loved Con’s ability to speak up when needed. So refreshing.
The cast of secondary characters is phenomenal and makes this book so much fun to read. Jake’s Bar is an awesome place. Open and accepting. The staff quirky and colorful (non-binary Jazz is my absolute favorite). I pre-ordered book 2 already!
September 24, 2022
Starting right away full of action and excitement a man races through the streets, fearing for his life.
Hiding in an alley he is given a way out when bar owner Jake mistakes him for the new hired help and undercover cop Con is given a place to hide for a while.
What he didn't expect was this older man coming into his life, and Jake was happy being alone until Con appeared into his.
This book contains a m/m romance and does contain sexual scenes, but it all feels natural and although steamy in places is not overly graphic.
I was hooked on this story and I think the author has mixed the romance, backstories and the thriller element perfectly.
There is a full case to investigate, drama, excitement and is very intriguing. As I love crime dramas I really liked that this part of the story was so prominent.
The supporting characters are fun to read and I hope we get more of them. I also want to note that this is one of the only books I've read that features a non-binary character. That was something I liked too.
Hiding in an alley he is given a way out when bar owner Jake mistakes him for the new hired help and undercover cop Con is given a place to hide for a while.
What he didn't expect was this older man coming into his life, and Jake was happy being alone until Con appeared into his.
This book contains a m/m romance and does contain sexual scenes, but it all feels natural and although steamy in places is not overly graphic.
I was hooked on this story and I think the author has mixed the romance, backstories and the thriller element perfectly.
There is a full case to investigate, drama, excitement and is very intriguing. As I love crime dramas I really liked that this part of the story was so prominent.
The supporting characters are fun to read and I hope we get more of them. I also want to note that this is one of the only books I've read that features a non-binary character. That was something I liked too.
August 29, 2022
The opening chapter of this book sure does grab your attention! It sets you up to expect excitement and intrigue right from the start, and goes on to keep you on your toes for the rest of the story.
Con was smart and capable, though a bit impulsive when he would get impatient. Jake was gruff on the outside but sweet, caring, and protective of those in his circle on the inside. The two of them complemented each other quite well, and had the physical chemistry together too.
The supporting cast of characters were great, with their own individual quirks that added to the “found family” vibe in Jake’s bar. I wasn’t a fan of Con’s mother, but his sister was pretty cool.
Some elements of the story felt a bit over the top with certain characters’ actions and reactions, but I still enjoyed the overall story. The pacing was good and I was engaged from start to finish. End of the Line was a solid 4-star read for me, and it has me looking forward to reading the next in the series. This story is meant for readers 18+ for adult language and sexual content.
Con was smart and capable, though a bit impulsive when he would get impatient. Jake was gruff on the outside but sweet, caring, and protective of those in his circle on the inside. The two of them complemented each other quite well, and had the physical chemistry together too.
The supporting cast of characters were great, with their own individual quirks that added to the “found family” vibe in Jake’s bar. I wasn’t a fan of Con’s mother, but his sister was pretty cool.
Some elements of the story felt a bit over the top with certain characters’ actions and reactions, but I still enjoyed the overall story. The pacing was good and I was engaged from start to finish. End of the Line was a solid 4-star read for me, and it has me looking forward to reading the next in the series. This story is meant for readers 18+ for adult language and sexual content.
December 20, 2023
great story full of suspense and heat
I quite enjoyed this story about Con, a newish detective from a well known Boston family trying to carve his own life away from his family and Jake an older bar owner just looking for peace and quiet in his life.
Con and Jake meet when an undercover job goes wrong and Con is beaten and chased. He flees down an alleyway and happens to be there when Jake opens the back door to his bar and finds him there.
The attraction was there between them from the get go and they kept me engaged and routing for them the whole time. Apart from the suspense from the case Con was working on, the servers at Jake’s bar really added to character and amusement to the story. I love how Con and Jake bonded and were there for each other.
I can’t wait to read the next book in the series.
I quite enjoyed this story about Con, a newish detective from a well known Boston family trying to carve his own life away from his family and Jake an older bar owner just looking for peace and quiet in his life.
Con and Jake meet when an undercover job goes wrong and Con is beaten and chased. He flees down an alleyway and happens to be there when Jake opens the back door to his bar and finds him there.
The attraction was there between them from the get go and they kept me engaged and routing for them the whole time. Apart from the suspense from the case Con was working on, the servers at Jake’s bar really added to character and amusement to the story. I love how Con and Jake bonded and were there for each other.
I can’t wait to read the next book in the series.
July 7, 2022
I haven’t read much by A.G. Meiers so when I was offered the chance to read an ARC of End Of The Line I was happy.
Briefly, Con is an undercover cop whose cover has been blown. He hides out in Jake’s bar and now he has to work out who betrayed him.
The story kept me wanting to read which is a real plus. I wanted to know what happened and who was the rat. There is more than one suspect and my opinion as to who that person was changed more than once.
The ending to the mystery was satisfying, to say the least.
I enjoyed the developing relationship between Con and Jake as both men are very likeable. Their backgrounds are very different but attraction cannot be denied.
I’m happy to recommend this story and I will be reading book 2 in the series.
Briefly, Con is an undercover cop whose cover has been blown. He hides out in Jake’s bar and now he has to work out who betrayed him.
The story kept me wanting to read which is a real plus. I wanted to know what happened and who was the rat. There is more than one suspect and my opinion as to who that person was changed more than once.
The ending to the mystery was satisfying, to say the least.
I enjoyed the developing relationship between Con and Jake as both men are very likeable. Their backgrounds are very different but attraction cannot be denied.
I’m happy to recommend this story and I will be reading book 2 in the series.
May 17, 2024
3rd person, past tense, dual POV.
Jake Devlin (38), owner of JD's Bar
Miguel 'Con' Conway (28), vice detective with the Boston Police Department
First, this is going to be a quick review because I can't wait to dive into the next book. I've been waiting for the series to be complete before bingeing it and I'm so happy the book has lived up to the hype I've built up in my head. It feels like the author wrote this book tailor made for me and everything I love in a great story.
Mistaken/hidden/secret identity is my absolute favourite trope and this book is a perfect example of it being well-executed I didn't even know to expect it so I'm extra thrilled. Con's cover is badly blown in the middle of an operation and as he's fleeing for his life, uncertain who he can trust he happens upon JD's Bar, where he's mistaken for the new server (delicious!). The owner, Jake, knows there is more to the new guy and provides him a safe refuge to find his footing (swoon!). Once Con comes clean about actually being a cop, there is still one more secret that he has to come clean about (oooh, the intrigue!). Why I loved most of all was that the reader was in on the secret and could feel the anticipation of the reveal.
As if the trope weren't fun enough the secondary cast of characters fairly leapt off the page. Each and every person, from the bar staff and the bar patrons to Con's family, both blood and blue were distinct and served to moved the story forward, memorable without stealing the show, I'm already excited about potential relationships to come, especially a certain server who desperately wants his own HEA.
Speaking of HEAs, the instant chemistry between Con and Jake was palpable, but it felt a lot deeper than merely physical. They had a few bumps coming from different backgrounds, etc. but really jived on a deeper level and it was easy as the reader to be fully invested in them. I loved that while there were some spicy scenes they weren't a distraction from the story and served to support the narrative.
The romance is set amid a police investigation that is very engaging, yet easy to follow, with clues sprinkled throughout so the reader is actually along for the ride investigation-wise and the culprit isn't something that comes out of left field, which is another thing I love when reading romantic suspense.
Two thumbs up, five bright shining stars, all the numbers, recommended!!!
Jake Devlin (38), owner of JD's Bar
Miguel 'Con' Conway (28), vice detective with the Boston Police Department
First, this is going to be a quick review because I can't wait to dive into the next book. I've been waiting for the series to be complete before bingeing it and I'm so happy the book has lived up to the hype I've built up in my head. It feels like the author wrote this book tailor made for me and everything I love in a great story.
Mistaken/hidden/secret identity is my absolute favourite trope and this book is a perfect example of it being well-executed I didn't even know to expect it so I'm extra thrilled. Con's cover is badly blown in the middle of an operation and as he's fleeing for his life, uncertain who he can trust he happens upon JD's Bar, where he's mistaken for the new server (delicious!). The owner, Jake, knows there is more to the new guy and provides him a safe refuge to find his footing (swoon!). Once Con comes clean about actually being a cop, there is still one more secret that he has to come clean about (oooh, the intrigue!). Why I loved most of all was that the reader was in on the secret and could feel the anticipation of the reveal.
As if the trope weren't fun enough the secondary cast of characters fairly leapt off the page. Each and every person, from the bar staff and the bar patrons to Con's family, both blood and blue were distinct and served to moved the story forward, memorable without stealing the show, I'm already excited about potential relationships to come, especially a certain server who desperately wants his own HEA.
Speaking of HEAs, the instant chemistry between Con and Jake was palpable, but it felt a lot deeper than merely physical. They had a few bumps coming from different backgrounds, etc. but really jived on a deeper level and it was easy as the reader to be fully invested in them. I loved that while there were some spicy scenes they weren't a distraction from the story and served to support the narrative.
The romance is set amid a police investigation that is very engaging, yet easy to follow, with clues sprinkled throughout so the reader is actually along for the ride investigation-wise and the culprit isn't something that comes out of left field, which is another thing I love when reading romantic suspense.
Two thumbs up, five bright shining stars, all the numbers, recommended!!!
August 31, 2023
Oh wow! I love this!
The mystery and the steam?! It was amazing! I loved trying to find out along with Con and Jake who was out to get him (called it btw!)
It was amazing watching them come together and despite not knowing who Con was Jake instantly stepping up to help and protect him, and then even after finding out who he was and what he does for a living still being there for him to protect him and be there for him!
It’s an amazing book with plenty of plot and spice! I definitely recommend this book for all my MM romance lovers there is so much that happens that keeps you turning the page!
The mystery and the steam?! It was amazing! I loved trying to find out along with Con and Jake who was out to get him (called it btw!)
It was amazing watching them come together and despite not knowing who Con was Jake instantly stepping up to help and protect him, and then even after finding out who he was and what he does for a living still being there for him to protect him and be there for him!
It’s an amazing book with plenty of plot and spice! I definitely recommend this book for all my MM romance lovers there is so much that happens that keeps you turning the page!
October 4, 2023
This romantic suspense story gets off to a breathless start when undercover cop, Miguel Conway is cornered by the criminal gang he was staking out. He's waiting to be discovered by his pursuers in a blind alley when he's inadvertently rescued by Jake, the owner of a local gay bar, and due to mistaken identity, Con is taken on as a member of Jake's bar staff while he lies low and puzzles our who might have betrayed him.
The romance was sweet and hot and the connection between Jake and Con really sizzled. I really enjoyed the world-building and sense of community in the bar and the supporting characters were terrific.
The romance was sweet and hot and the connection between Jake and Con really sizzled. I really enjoyed the world-building and sense of community in the bar and the supporting characters were terrific.
July 21, 2022
This was such a steamy, M/M romantic suspense featuring a rainbow-colored bar full of quirky characters, and all the romance you can handle!
Jake and Con were the perfect example of opposites attract and I loved the chemistry between them!!
This was a fast paced read overall.
The characters were likeable and well fleshed out and the storyline was interesting and quite gripping.
If you enjoy a fast paced romantic suspense with all the feels and great secondary characters.
Definitely recommend this
Jake and Con were the perfect example of opposites attract and I loved the chemistry between them!!
This was a fast paced read overall.
The characters were likeable and well fleshed out and the storyline was interesting and quite gripping.
If you enjoy a fast paced romantic suspense with all the feels and great secondary characters.
Definitely recommend this
January 15, 2024
I started off thinking, OK I know the story before I’ve read, prob a 3* read, but it did draw me in with the characters - those other than Jake and Con particularly.
Jake and Con did their dance around each other, Jake trying to make sure Con didn’t do anything too TSTL.
I enjoyed their dynamics, the gradual softening of Jake to just a grumpy bear, rather than full out grizzly as he starts.
The developments of Con’s case point in one direction and as I’d read the blurb for book 2, I knew where it lead after a while.
Enjoyed this more than I initially thought I would.
Jake and Con did their dance around each other, Jake trying to make sure Con didn’t do anything too TSTL.
I enjoyed their dynamics, the gradual softening of Jake to just a grumpy bear, rather than full out grizzly as he starts.
The developments of Con’s case point in one direction and as I’d read the blurb for book 2, I knew where it lead after a while.
Enjoyed this more than I initially thought I would.
Read
July 24, 2023Set in contemporary Boston, "End of the Line" is an engaging m/m romantic suspense with compelling characters. I wouldn't call it grump/sunshine, but Jake is most def a grump with a heart of gold. The MCs come from very different worlds socially, and Con's background as the son of a politically connected family (think the Kennedys) gave it some realistic local flavor. Looking forward to the next book in the series.
November 8, 2025
super intriguing
After escaping from an undercover op gone wrong, Boston detective Con ends up in a darkened alley with a local bar owner Jake. After a case of mistaken identity ends up with Con crashing with Jake, the two begin to unweave who betrayed Con.
Overall, a really great start to the series, loved both Jake and Con together, the mystery was intriguing and I’m interested to see how everything unravels.
After escaping from an undercover op gone wrong, Boston detective Con ends up in a darkened alley with a local bar owner Jake. After a case of mistaken identity ends up with Con crashing with Jake, the two begin to unweave who betrayed Con.
Overall, a really great start to the series, loved both Jake and Con together, the mystery was intriguing and I’m interested to see how everything unravels.
July 14, 2022
I’ve enjoyed this author’s other works and was excited to see she had a new series releasing. End of the Line is a well-written romance with a good suspense plot running throughout and some hurt-comfort underpinnings.
Jake and Miguel have an unexpected introduction into one another’s lives, but they make for a likable couple. Jake’s bar is the predominant setting for End of the Line, and I found it, its employees, and clientele interesting and a place I would like to revisit. I also liked the variety of secondary characters and the range in dialogue and banter amongst all the characters. Both men are fairly well-developed throughout the story, and their romance is pretty smooth. The easier feel of Jake and Miguel’s relationship was a nice counterpoint to the suspense driving the other plotline.
All in all, I felt End of the Line is a good story and a nice start to a series I definitely plan to continue. With a good suspense plot and a wide range of characters, this is worth the read if you enjoy law-enforcement romances.
*** Copy provided to Bayou Book Junkie for my reading pleasure. A review wasn't a requirement. ***
Jake and Miguel have an unexpected introduction into one another’s lives, but they make for a likable couple. Jake’s bar is the predominant setting for End of the Line, and I found it, its employees, and clientele interesting and a place I would like to revisit. I also liked the variety of secondary characters and the range in dialogue and banter amongst all the characters. Both men are fairly well-developed throughout the story, and their romance is pretty smooth. The easier feel of Jake and Miguel’s relationship was a nice counterpoint to the suspense driving the other plotline.
All in all, I felt End of the Line is a good story and a nice start to a series I definitely plan to continue. With a good suspense plot and a wide range of characters, this is worth the read if you enjoy law-enforcement romances.
*** Copy provided to Bayou Book Junkie for my reading pleasure. A review wasn't a requirement. ***
July 9, 2022
This is my first book by this author and I loved this book so much. It was a great start to a new series that I hope I can continue to read. Wonderful characters, a great storyline and well written, this is a good that you won't want to put down once you start.
July 9, 2022
A.G Meiers is a new author to me and this is a my first read from them. I really enjoyed the story of Con and Jake the book was fast paced which I liked. Looking forward to book two 😍
March 2, 2024
I needed a good, gripping read.
This story just gets into it in such a way that I couldn't stop reading. The characters, plot, pacing, romance and case all developed in a way that I thoroughly loved. Jake, especially, won me over almost instantly with us having a shared loathing of seltzers. Con was great and their romance worked so well for me. I'm not even mad at the attention given to the next book and pairing in the series.
I do have to say, though, as much as I love this, there is some falloff with the quality of grammar toward the end. A few word salad sentences where the author seemed to be testing a few versions of a sentence and left it all in. Some past/present tense conflicts, which I do all the time in my own writing. The glaring issue, for me, was the slip in Jazz's pronouns. The book goes to great lengths to use they/them for Jazz, but when Con upsets them toward the end there's a slip where he thinks of Jazz as "her." Not an intentional slight by the character or author, but a noticeable slip. It doesn't take anything away, for me, because this was such a refreshingly GOOD read, but it may catch other readers wrong.
This story just gets into it in such a way that I couldn't stop reading. The characters, plot, pacing, romance and case all developed in a way that I thoroughly loved. Jake, especially, won me over almost instantly with us having a shared loathing of seltzers. Con was great and their romance worked so well for me. I'm not even mad at the attention given to the next book and pairing in the series.
I do have to say, though, as much as I love this, there is some falloff with the quality of grammar toward the end. A few word salad sentences where the author seemed to be testing a few versions of a sentence and left it all in. Some past/present tense conflicts, which I do all the time in my own writing. The glaring issue, for me, was the slip in Jazz's pronouns. The book goes to great lengths to use they/them for Jazz, but when Con upsets them toward the end there's a slip where he thinks of Jazz as "her." Not an intentional slight by the character or author, but a noticeable slip. It doesn't take anything away, for me, because this was such a refreshingly GOOD read, but it may catch other readers wrong.
March 16, 2025
4*
Really enjoyed the read and looking forward to continuing the crime plot in book 2. The ending definitely has me hooked. I like the way this book shares attention and sets up characters to continue the story.
Jake and Con are an interesting mix, counterbalancing stability, stubbornness, understanding, support. They have great chemistry. Particularly like the moments of introspection from each, flashes back to essential moments of their lives that allow readers to peek in as well.
Quibbles: Pacing in the middle of the book is a bit slow. There are some grammar errors occasionally, but more in the last few chapters.
I’m still thinking about Holden. What a mindf*ck. Poor guy. I’m here for his story next.
Thanks to MM & MMM+ Romance Reviewed and AG Meiers for the giveaway!
Really enjoyed the read and looking forward to continuing the crime plot in book 2. The ending definitely has me hooked. I like the way this book shares attention and sets up characters to continue the story.
Jake and Con are an interesting mix, counterbalancing stability, stubbornness, understanding, support. They have great chemistry. Particularly like the moments of introspection from each, flashes back to essential moments of their lives that allow readers to peek in as well.
Quibbles: Pacing in the middle of the book is a bit slow. There are some grammar errors occasionally, but more in the last few chapters.
I’m still thinking about Holden. What a mindf*ck. Poor guy. I’m here for his story next.
Thanks to MM & MMM+ Romance Reviewed and AG Meiers for the giveaway!
November 21, 2022
4.5 stars
Enjoyable suspense plot and interesting characters. Some implausible details but I liked the dual POV’s and the setting of a bar in Boston.
Enjoyable suspense plot and interesting characters. Some implausible details but I liked the dual POV’s and the setting of a bar in Boston.
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