Risking It All

Code of Honor #2

by Reese Knightley, Troy Duran (Reading)

A Crumpet Christmas is the perfect time to fall in love. When a mission goes south, Elijah Cobalt is forced to take medical leave. What could be better than relaxing in a small town and keeping an eye on his little sister at the same time? Nothing, until he gets his first look at his sister's boss. Elijah has always felt bulky and big around the smaller type of men he prefers and around Justin Bailey, it's the same damned thing. Justin gave up dating big, muscled men after his breakup with his abusive boyfriend, but he just might make an exception when his caf� manager's older brother takes over his spare bedroom. The instant attraction has sparks flying and, after a few days, Justin doesn't want to fight it any longer. Christmas is a magical time of year. The power of love takes over, and possibilities are endless. Until Justin's ex-boyfriend suddenly shows up out of the blue determined to cause as much trouble for him as possible. Only Justin has a support system now, in the form of a Special Forces Unit, and things are going to get really damned intense in a very short amount of time. Mess with one and you mess with them all. Contains mature themes.

Genres: M M Romance, Military Fiction, Romance, Contemporary, Audiobook, LGBT, Abuse

Audiobook

First published December 1, 2019

About the author

Reese Knightley spends her time creating stories from the characters rattling around in her head. Her love of reading mystery, action and adventure, and fantasy books led to her love of writing. Reese works as a full time writer. She loves to hear from her readers.

Reviews

[Gerbera_Reads · Rating 3 out of 5]

** 2.5 stars **

There were things I liked about this book.

- fast pace
- stalker: even though a lot about it was pretty obvious I enjoyed the tension and all the safety measure that needed to be taken
- plot twist about Justin and who he really is
- bringing awareness to domestic abuse

That being said, there were things that didn't work for me.

- A lot of stereotyping when it came to people of certain body type or stature. There is a warning under the blurb that says it features alpha male and twink baker pairing. I am happy with that, but when the said twink like appearance and behavior are emphasized to the point of too much and in my face constantly, it grates. Justin giggled in every chapter. Everyone of small stature was giggling, overly emotional, hair flipping person, and in every chapter it was mentioned over and over. I don't mind when the character is being described to make me see and understand them but when it's the defining factor, no. Everyone who was above average height was hunky, testosterone filled and intimidating. It was like a division that was outlined in every single chapter. Got old really quick. One time mention would have been enough for me.

- For me Christmas romance means events happening during said holiday. But the town loving Christmas that has inhabitants with Christmas themed names is stretching the holiday cheer too much. I couldn't take half of the story seriously. *constant eye roll*

- When you have so many recurring characters it would be great to have some kind of glossary in the beginning so I don't try to figure out who is who. It's very distracting. There were times where I was completely baffled, there were so many of them.

- Some dialogues sounded forced and stilted, and the humor was so so.

Insta love actually didn't read like that. The MCs had time to get to know each other and fall in love. It was not two day wonder. I liked that. In the spirit of holiday I gave this 3 stars but I have to say I didn't enjoy it much. It was well edited, and it felt like author was telling these two men's, Justin and Elijah, story but too many things stopped me from really getting into it. Suspension of disbelief was not on my side this time.

[Carol · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is listed as a novella (228 pages), that begins almost like the other books in the series. It's Christmas time and Elijah is heading off to a small town, and this time he's not fighting a foreign enemy, or rescuing anyone...he's falling for the baker, Justin. Soon the explosions start, letting us know we may not be going to have such a Merry Christmas after all. I really almost liked this book. The characters. as in all these books, are smart, strong and more than a bit sassy. The slow burn between Elijah and Justin makes you want to help them along as they navigate the situations that form Justin’s past. The small-town loves Christmas and have planned a lighting ceremony. Here's where some things become a bit unrealistic. For example: At the lighting ceremony a shooting occurs, injuring Elijah and the shooter is never caught. The town reschedules it, and everyone shows up. I don't think the town, or the citizens, no matter how holiday crazy they all are...would take that chance so soon after an event like this happened.... some might but not the entire town. I also don't believe the military would send in "Special Forces" to protect them no matter who they might be related to. Elijah and Justin have their own personal secrets that no one is talking about. A shooting occurring in the town would have had the local police all over it, but there was so little interaction by anyone with them. They didn't even show up at the hospital where Justin had rushed Elijah. No one meets them...no one realizes they are even there. Aren't hospitals required by law to report gun-shot wounds? Though I read this one out of order, I have read the other books and have always liked the main characters, especially Elijah and was really glad that he was the "main star" of this one...but there are a lot of inconsistences in the way the shooting was handled. The story is still getting 3 stars because I really like the main characters and I certainly admire this authors ability to come up with these great adventure stories.

[Cadiva · Rating 3 out of 5]

Cute Christmas setting makes a good change

On top of the random man shot dead in a small town park at Christmas time, this one also deals with domestic abuse, which needs much clearer trigger warnings.

Ignoring those two factors, as there's zero follow up to Elijah shooting the bloke even if it was a kinda "serves you right" moment, I liked this one more than some of the other pairings.

[Genie☆In☆A☆Vodka☆Bottle · Rating 1 out of 5]

Just like the first book, the premise of this one was so much better than the execution. The characters were all way too extra and the drama reached a point of being almost sheer ridiculousness. Nothing was ever fully explained; I still had so many questions by the time the book ended. Not to mention that pretty much all of the caricatures oops, I mean characters (nah, actually, I'm pretty sure I was right the first time) were absolutely nothing original. Yet another M/M romance "action" book pairing a gentle alpha muscle-giant with a victimized, abused, and yet still oh-so-sassy twink, who's traumatized and vulnerable but still emotionally strong enough to flip their hair with the perfect amount of sassy-twink attitude and sway their hips with every step and snap their troubles away with glitter-painted fingers right before the tears and the need of physical protection from whatever new muscle-alpha comes strolling into their life. Sigh. My god to the stereotyping though. It was way too much. (Seriously, do twinks or women ever laugh instead of giggle in these sorts of stories? Or ever not "squeal in excitement" when something good happens? Are these the only sounds women and not-alpha-giants are capable of making??) I should probably say now that I am beyond fine with effeminate characters. That's not the problem for me. I love them when they're done in a believable way. But when a specific character type is only represented through the distinct lens of a blatant and very outdated cliché, it becomes problematic. And I had quite a lot of problems with just so much of it.

Everything was just waaay too sugar-sweet for my poor overwhelmed tastebuds, and as we all know, sugar is an empty calorie. There just wasn't a whole lot of substance to this story, even despite the past abuse of half the characters. Reading the dialogue was like mainlining the purest of powdered sugar straight into my veins, and my veins did not appreciate it. (Seriously, don't try it. Baaad idea.)

It always makes for a strange disconnect in a book like this when macho gun-toting military alphas are constantly teasing each other and winking at one another and calling each other things like "Mr. Straighty Pants". (Seriously???) However, none of that annoyed me as much as Justin's childish refusal to swear. Characters do not ever have to swear, that's absolutely fine, but when that adult character replaces profanity with ridiculous phrases like "oh my sweet candy" and "oh sugar", it becomes the very definition of juvenile. (And annoying. Definitely, definitely the definition of annoying.) Jesus fucking Christ is all I can say to it.

And I'm not sure I can even explain what it was about the romance, but something just felt off. Something just wasn't there for me. It was pure sugar and no substance. Sweet but not filling. It was just a big ol' bowl of empty calories that can only ever end with cavities and regret.

Between the stereotypes and the cavities and the unanswered questions, I just couldn't with this one.

[John Altman · Rating 3 out of 5]

Risking it All!

Total Rating: 3.1 Stars out of 5
Rating Review Rollout:
(1) Blurb vs Story matchup: 4 🌟🌟🌟🌟
(2) Character Development: 4 🌟🌟🌟🌟
(3) Danger/Drama/Thrills/Chills: 4 🌟🌟🌟🌟
(4) Editing/Proofreading: 3 🌟🌟🌟
(5) Entertainment Value: 4 🌟🌟🌟🌟
(6) Feeling the Words: 3 🌟🌟🌟
(7) Flow of the Story: 2 🌟🌟
(8) Keeps my Attention: 3 🌟🌟🌟
(9) MC Appeal: 4 🌟🌟🌟🌟
(10) MC Backstory: 2 🌟🌟
(11) MC Chemistry: 3 🌟🌟🌟
(12) MC Love Connection: 3 🌟🌟🌟
(13) Plot Worthiness: 3 🌟🌟🌟
(14) Sexy Sex Scenes: 2 🌟🌟
(15) Wrap Up of Loose Ends: 3 🌟🌟🌟

[I~❤️~Books · Rating 4 out of 5]

✮4 Stars✮

[Paula´s Brief Review · Rating 1 out of 5]

Por ahora el peor de todo. La historia insufrible y aún encima la hace coincidir con navidad y tanta cursilería navideña me molesta....hay capítulos en los que me salté mas estrofas que leí

[Lisa · Rating 3 out of 5]

I really like the characters and the story premise, but the plot tends to skip in places. I actually found myself going back to check if I accidentally skipped something because things would be going at a certain pace, then all of a sudden a big jump happened. For example, they are attracted to each other but trying to avoid it then the next page they were going on a date and all into the attraction. That’s my only “eh” comment about this series. Otherwise, it has the bones to be rally great.

[keren davidi cohen · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love it
the story was easy to read with a little bit drama
the love story between the MC was slowly built and there is a perfect balance between plot and the romance
There are many interesting secondary characters that I am waiting to see about who the author will decide to write in the next book

[Claudia · Rating 5 out of 5]

Justin abusive ex has found him again and don't want to accept a "no" as an answer...
Elijah PTSD symptoms took him on a medical leave... and right into Justin doorstep...
They still don't know it, but Elijah and Justin are exactly what the other needs...
Thirds book is a great addition to this awesome series. LOVED IT ❤

[Terry-ann · Rating 5 out of 5]

better and better

This series, is getting better and better. I’m enjoying it a lot. I love that it’s not your usual romance, it’s slow burn and full of action and the characters bonding

[Stephanie Williams · Rating 5 out of 5]

I luved everything about this book. It is the second in the series and I wasn't disappointed at all. The two male leads were great and great together. Both having to deal with domestic violence in his own way but making it out in the in. I can't wait to read what's next

[Kelli D · Rating 2 out of 5]

Almost good

Ok, that was almost good. I was really excited to read this book and it definitely started out pretty good. But then it became too much, too unrealistic, and every cliché thrown in.
Where to start?
A shooting occurs at the lighting ceremony and even though the main suspect isn't caught the town decides to redo it and everyone shows up? Uh, no. People would 100% be traumatized and the town wouldn't put their citizens at risk.
And the army wouldn't send in there Special Forces to protect them, relatives or not.
Elijah is in Special Forces but it's a big secret so don't tell anyone. And Justin is a senators son but it's a secret so don't tell anyone.
And apparently Elijah and his whole family are millionaires?
And can we talk about how little they interacted with the cops in the town. A driveway shooting and Justin rushes Elijah to the hospital where no one meets them or realizes they are there. And then takes him to a safe place that's impenetrable? Come on!
I was excited, especially as I read about some of the other characters like Macy and Tinley but nope it was like every Bruce Willis movie I ever saw.....so over the top unbelievable.

[Candice · Rating 3 out of 5]

I kept thinking I missed something because it was all about Ashley. Like who? I looked on Knightley's website and her inspirations and there was no Ashley on there either, so to me it seemed like she wasn't that big of a character. I just felt kind of lost during this one. Like why Elijah froze. I wished we knew of the incident BEFORE he did that.

Overall, it was good. I liked the first one better though. I'll continue reading this series and others by Knightley.

[Maureen · Rating 5 out of 5]

As difficult as it was to read parts of this I really enjoyed this book. I loved the two m/c's, their differences and there similarities were sweet and at time amusing. Abuse is a tough subject, this author dealt with it carefully but kept the horrible impact of it true.

[Saimi Vasquez · Rating 4 out of 5]

Elihaj es un capitan de fuerzas especiales de un grupo llamado Infinity, dirigido por su hermano mayor el Coronel Liam Calbot. Durante uno de sus despliegues sufre un momentaneo colapso que lo obliga a tomar una licencia medica, por lo que decide irse a visitar a su hermana menor que ahora vive en un pueblo playero donde la Navidad es lo principal.
Justin es un sobreviviente de una relacion de abuso, logro levantar junto con su hermana el Cafe de sus abuelos, y ahora se dedica a ayudar a otras personas que han sido victimas de abuso. Sin embargo, su ex ha enloquecido y ahora lo quiere recuperar intentando a toda costa secuestrarlo y/o hacerle dano.
Pero ahora esta Elihaj de quien Justin se siente fuertemente atraido, que junto con sus hermanos gemelos mayores, Liam (Coronel) y Logan (gurdaespaldas) y el grupo de operaciones especiales Infinity, lucharan para detener la amenaza y para mantener a Justin y al pueblo a salvo.

El libro esta lleno de accion, amor y comprension, pero tambien esta lleno de mucho espiritu navideno, o por lo menos lo que los norteamericanos llaman espiritu navideno. La relacion de la pareja avanza bastante lento, lo que esta bien llevado a este nivel.
Ahora, lo que no me gusto es que al final resulta que ambos protagonistas vienen de familias acaudaladas y poderosas?? porque no pueden ser personales normales y comunes??. Ahh y ademas, porque Logan y Liam tienen que ser gemelos?? No pueden ser solo hermanos mayores normalitos??
Bueno, pero por lo demas el libro vale la pena, la serie esta valiendo la pena, por lo que continuare con ella.

[Mandy (MP Book Reviews) · Rating 4 out of 5]

A Crumpet Christmas is the perfect time to fall in love. When a mission goes south, Elijah Cobalt is forced to take medical leave. What could be better than relaxing in a small town and keeping an eye on his little sister at the same time? Nothing, until he gets his first look at his sister’s boss. Elijah has always felt bulky and big around the smaller type of men he prefers and around Justin Bailey, it’s the same damned thing. Justin gave up dating big, muscled men after his breakup with his abusive boyfriend, but he just might make an exception when his café manager’s older brother takes over his spare bedroom. The instant attraction has sparks flying and, after a few days, Justin doesn’t want to fight it any longer. Christmas is a magical time of year. The power of love takes over. The possibilities are endless. Until Justin’s ex-boyfriend suddenly shows up out of the blue determined to cause as much trouble for him as possible. Only Justin has a support system now, in the form of a Special Forces Unit, and things are going to get really damned intense in a very short amount of time. Mess with one and you mess with them all.

I loved this story with the cute town at Christmas and the two men who bonded. It was great when the team all came in to help. I'd love to know more about the two other me who worked at Justin's cafe. Easy to read, feel and understand. This was an MM story with mature content.

[Tammi De Lima · Rating 4 out of 5]

Justin owns a cute little bakeshop/diner. He takes in people running from abuse and trauma in their lives and gives them work and becomes their friend. In fact, in the tiny town of Crumpet, it seems like Justin is the favored son. He is involved in everything their little community does and what it does best is Christmas. One of his workers asks him if her brother can come stay for a while as he is a soldier and off work due to a medical leave of absence. Of course Justin says yes. Elijah comes to stay with Justin and upon first meet, Justin is scared out of his mind. Elijah is a rugged soldier very big and solid. Justin is a tiny twink and apparently has had a really bad ex who was similarly built and who abused him physically and emotionally.This is a slow burn romance because it does take a while for their friendship to grow and then become something more. I should mention that Elijah also has some baggage of his own to deal with. At a Christmas celebration, the town's citizens are shot at and chaos ensues. Elijah who has learned a bit about Justin's ex suspects that it is him behind it. So he calls in some army reinforcements. The rest of the story deals with how and why someone is after them and how they deal with it. Justin and Eli are really cute together.I love a big strong guy who is so protective over his much smaller boyfriend. A nice HEA and we meet many other interesting side characters who are likely to have their own stories coming. Recommend!

[Anna Torres · Rating 5 out of 5]

A really sweet love story...

Justin now has his own business which he inherited from his grandfather. He and his sister Emma live in a small town called Crumpet. He lives in a big house also from their grandfather. He just got out of an unhealthy relationship.

Elijah was forced to take a leave of absence from Infinity, a Special Forces unit, because he has to deal with some past trauma involving his younger sister and it is putting his team at risk whenever he gets triggered. His commanding officer, his older brother Liam, ordered him for psychological evaluation and forced leave. He visited his sister, Ashley, who manages the cafe owned by Justin.

Justin and Elijah, after a misunderstanding at the beginning, became friends and more. An ex keeps harrassing Justin to the point of scaring him. Everything just escalated after that. It became a fight against an obssessed man.

Second book of The Code of Honor series, the men we love from Infinity are back. I love, love these books. Though be forewarned, domestic abuse is tackled in this tale.

Ms. Reese Knightley writes these amazing storylines and characters that will make you love these Alphas. I love it, and can’t wait for the next book!

[Scarlet Gilliam · Rating 1 out of 5]

This book had to have been written by AI. The premise has potential but simply I cannot believe an actual human being created and published a piece of work this bad in the ways this is bad. It’s one thing to have outdated references but when there’re hardly any lines of dialogue throughout the entire book that sound even remotely like how real humans would talk it’s disturbing. There is an abundance unhelpful repetition, sloppy grammar, misused words, and unnatural formatting of choices for paragraphs. I’m not a mental health expert but way the author handles the PTSD that one main character has feels unrealistic, as if it’s only really shown when the author thinks it’s convenient.

One positive is that the main characters and most side characters, are pretty likable but that’s a low bar. Before anyone accuses me of just being a “hater” I have read books by this author before and enjoyed them in spite of their flaws. That’s why I pick up this one, I was optimistic but optimism can’t hide bad writing. I was expecting a masterpiece of literature but I do want it to feel like the author actually cares about what the story.

[Devoted❤️Reader · Rating 5 out of 5]

Oh Christmas love

I’ve been on some bad dates but Justin’s made me cringe. He has the biggest heart. I adore him and how he watches out for those he cares about. When he meets Elijah, to say the least, it leaves a mark. Elijah may be an alpha male, but he has his own scars. He’s also fiercely protective, gentle and knows how to bide his time. If I didn’t already love Elijah, I would have fallen for him during his rescue mission.

“You are the heart of Crumpet.” I wanted to hug Justin and Elijah all the time. They’re adorable and utterly sweet together. Plus dessert has never been so hot when they eat it. Although Crumpet is a magical place, it sadly isn’t immune to danger. Luckily Elijah knows just who to call for help. I really wanted to hurt someone in this book and my heart broke for Justin, who, by the way, had quite the bombshell to share. Surprises, action and lots of love can be found in this fast-paced holiday romance.

[Hayley · Rating 3 out of 5]

I was disappointed in this sugar fest of unbelievability. I get it, I can suspend disbelief as well as the next person but this one was asking too much. Justin is every stereotypical twink out there. He is sassy, he is giggly. He has been abused by his ex. He takes in other abused people and helps them overcome their past trauma. Elijah is a big bad special forces agent who freezes in the middle of a battle and has to take leave to recover. Why? What happened before this that made him suddenly freeze up? We will never know. This one was just too OTT for me. I liked most of the story except why would the whole town show up somewhere that there was already one shooting and recreate the conditions for it to happen again. I'm not talking about a year down the road, i'm talking almost immediately. I don't know, any other time i'd probably enjoy the story more but after just reading the first book I was really disappointed.

[CJ · Rating 2 out of 5]

So many thing wrong with this book.

I have loved all Reese's books fell in love with all the Characters want to hear all there stories. But this was was all sorts of wrong. Especially dealing with abuse and BDSM in a small gap of time. The abuse that happened to Triton was horrible then next minute he is kissing Diesel and wanting sex then he want to partake in BDSM no doesnt happened in real life. (Work in industry of abuse). Tritons cousin Maddox not coming to help him was so wrong but everyone goes and helps Justin from previous book. It was like Diesel was not even in a team. Really skimmed read it at the end it was so far fetched and OMG I never want to hear the word boy again. I think I would be rich if I got a dollar for how many time it was said.
So wanted to like this book as I really do love the other series and the first two books of this one.

[Guardian.angel54 · Rating 5 out of 5]

A sweet, sassy baker and an Army special Ops

I absolutely love this book and it is permanently going on my holiday read list.

Justin just wants to run his cafe and take care of his friends - but he's got a problem in the form of an obsessive, deranged ex bf. Enter Elijah, an Army Special Ops officer on medical leave and staying in Justin's guest room while visiting his sister - who happens to work for Justin. Add in Christmas in a small beach town and you have all the ingredients for the perfect holiday romance. There's a little danger, lots of annoying but loving friends, and an entire squad of Army Ops descending en-masse and I was totally hooked and completely captivated. Such an amazingly good book and well worth reading!

[Jooke · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was a pleasant read with pros & cons, but I can't in good conscience give it a higher rating.

I'll start with what I liked:
-how Justin likes to care for others and takes in "strays" tot form his own little family
- how Elija's family is close-knit
- how Justin and Elija are attracted to each other, but are both "afraid"/insecure
- the tight-knit community of Crumpet

What I disliked:
- how the ex's behavior escalated from stalking and harrassement to a public shooting with 4 culprits
- how easy a colonel can choose to mobilize his team to help his family
- how Justin "hides" who his parents are
- how Elija's family turns out to be filthy rich. I mean it didn't add much to the story or situation. So why toss it out there...

[Daki Crow · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was such a sweet, feel-good read! Elijah and Justin were opposites in all the best ways—gruff, protective soldier meets soft-hearted, small-town café owner—and their chemistry was instant and adorable. I loved watching them navigate their attraction while dealing with past baggage and growing closer over cozy Christmas moments.

Justin’s trauma from his previous relationship was handled with care, and Elijah’s protectiveness never veered into possessive—it was just right. The found family aspect with Elijah’s team was another highlight (I love a ride-or-die crew!), and the way they closed ranks around Justin made my heart happy.

A little bit of action, a lot of heart, and a warm holiday setting made this one an easy win for me. Definitely a comfort read kind of book.

[Alexis Woods · Rating 3 out of 5]

Cute

Cute holiday story about Justin, a cafe owner, and Elijah, special ops soldier. I enjoyed seeing all the characters from book one and meeting the new ones in this second story. Justin takes in the strays and the hurt ones and Elijah finds solace for his own emotional pain, all while dealing with Justin's stalker ex.

Simple, sweet storyline. My only real complaint was the continued use of waived for waved. I suspect that was a search and change error, but still annoying.

KU, contemporary, book in series, mystery, action, death of a side character, military men, chef, retail, themes of PTSD, domestic violence.

[ANNBOOKSHELF · Rating 4 out of 5]

Fireworks! This series is phenomenal - fall in love with the characters & edge of your seat with suspense ful story!

Justin is a kind hearted man that spots those that have endured domestic violence and need a safe haven to heal. Justin has to deal with an EX reining terror in his life. We have Elijah a elite special operations soldier that is battling PTSD after rescuing his sister from Domestic Violence. Elijah had a PTSD event during a horrific mission so he is on medical leave and visiting his sister during his recovery. This is a fast pace story with lots of layers. A great page turner! V2, S2
@my2centsbookliver Thank you!

[joani · Rating 5 out of 5]

My favorite of her books

Why you ask? Well because Elijah and Justin opposite and the same all at once. Both out to save the world but in opposite ways. Their not both alpha males or are they? Elijah is Military Elite, Special forces he saves innocents from all the horrors of the world but Justin saves on person at a time. He helps all those around him with his warm heart and beautiful disposition. Threaten someone he loves and he is all Alpha as well. There love is so touching and sweet but with all the action that makes a great read.
I hope Macey and Logan come together cause that would be Hot!!

[Navyvet · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is book 2 of the Code of Honor series which revolves around a special ops unit known as Infinity. This one features Elijah Cobalt who is on medical leave due to having some issues with PTS. He meets Justin who was abused by a crazy ex-boyfriend. I felt this book was not as strong as book 1. The story did have potential. There is action, angst and drama, but some things felt glossed over. I liked Elijah, but I found Justin, as an overly fem twink, to be kind of annoying, so I couldn't really get into this pairing. The plot was interesting and moved quickly, so that made this an easy read.