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L.A. #2
L.A. Mischief
If you have already read L. A. Heat by author P. A. Brown, you have met David Eric Laine and Christopher Bellamere. If not, get ready to make their acquaintance in L. A. Mischief, a fast-paced novella that details the early months of their relationship. David-a LAPD Homicide Detective-is stubborn, proud, and barely out of the closet. As the story opens, he is struggling to find the balance between his intense feelings for Chris, the urges of his newly liberated libido, and the demands of a job where bodies pop up on an all too regular basis. Chris-blonde, smart, out and proud-faces his own set of challenges, including helping his best friend cope with his ongoing grief after the brutal murder of his lover. Life events conspire to bring David and Chris together while at the same time keeping them apart-will they be able to push their way through and find a common ground for happiness and their shared love?
164 pages, Paperback
First published July 1, 2008
3 people are currently reading
174 people want to read
About the author
P.A. Brown
35 books127 followersPat Brown, writing as P.A. Brown, is the author of the Chris and David police procedural novels featuring LAPD homicide detective David Eric Laine and his lover, computer network engineer Christopher Bellamere. In L. A. Heat the first in the series, David is an uptight, in the closet cop living a life of denial and dark secrets he will protect at all costs. Then his life becomes entwined with Chris who is a suspect in the brutal slayings of young gay men. Neither of them ever expected to find love. L.A. Heat was followed by L.A. Mischief which follow Chris and David as they try to reconcile their vast differences and forge their relationship into one of true love. In L.A. Boneyard, a dark thriller that moves from the bright streets of West Hollywood to the gang ridden streets of East L.A. All the while David faces the temptation of his sexy new partner, Jairo Hernandez.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 39 reviews
July 13, 2009
I'm so relieved to be done with this book. It started out rather negative for me in that the last thing I was expecting was Chris in bed someone else, not David. I had to go back and read the first page again (hate it when I have to reread to understand) just to make sure I didn't miss something like it was a flashback. But no, it is present-day and Chris has just woken up with a stranger in his bed. He doesn't know how that guy got in his bed and neither did I. I was so upset with him. He's wondering what else he and the stranger did apart from fucking, whether Mr X wore a condom and is relieved when there's no blood coming out of his rectum.
After that Crossroads nunchaku incident by Keta Diablo, I was relieved, too.
It goes on this way much of the rest of the story with Chris going back to the bar, Nosh Pit, David going back to Nosh Pit, various men copping feels, trying to go home with them, David has something going with Blair, an EMT and Chris is busy dealing with his best friend's PTSD following the events of the previous book, L. A. Heat.
It's exactly as the blurb says - the whole story is about David struggling to accept his homosexuality, refusing to see Chris, being mean to Chris when they do run into each other and Chris mooning after David, deciding he no longer wants strange cocks in him. Just David's. I found David a more attractive man in the previous book and more points were minused from Chris with the way this story opened.. But by the time I was nearing the end of the story, my sympathies - so to speak - were with Chris for the shabby way David was treating him.
Good part: the ending. A little rushed but, as I said earlier, I was relieved to come to an end of this rather agonizing read. I got a strong HEA so no complaints there.
I need to find a book now without any of this "I-hate-being-gay" thing dragged out through the whole book! I think I'll read that new Z A Maxfield one.
After that Crossroads nunchaku incident by Keta Diablo, I was relieved, too.
It goes on this way much of the rest of the story with Chris going back to the bar, Nosh Pit, David going back to Nosh Pit, various men copping feels, trying to go home with them, David has something going with Blair, an EMT and Chris is busy dealing with his best friend's PTSD following the events of the previous book, L. A. Heat.
It's exactly as the blurb says - the whole story is about David struggling to accept his homosexuality, refusing to see Chris, being mean to Chris when they do run into each other and Chris mooning after David, deciding he no longer wants strange cocks in him. Just David's. I found David a more attractive man in the previous book and more points were minused from Chris with the way this story opened.. But by the time I was nearing the end of the story, my sympathies - so to speak - were with Chris for the shabby way David was treating him.
Good part: the ending. A little rushed but, as I said earlier, I was relieved to come to an end of this rather agonizing read. I got a strong HEA so no complaints there.
I need to find a book now without any of this "I-hate-being-gay" thing dragged out through the whole book! I think I'll read that new Z A Maxfield one.
June 4, 2010
3.5 stars
Be forewarned this story is not about any ongoing major crime like the first. It's mostly focused on Chris and David getting their shit together and about Des coping without kyle in the aftermath of his tragic death. I'm still shivering when I think about it. It was sick I tell yeah!
But I need to express my thoughts so here it goes...
What a horse hoof up the arse situation. First they both broke up, then together again and the same song and dance repeats itself. Let's add to that little riff the messing around with other guys during their little hiatus apart. Like being broken apart meant diddly squat. What. A. Royal. Mess!
Me? I'd be despondent and in no shape to fawk around after professing to each other those three important words: I love you. Seems to me these words were fickle between Chris and David and full of untruths. Maybe they should be telling each other: I love you today, we'll see about that tomorrow. Both men are dumbasses in this story. Still enjoyed the whole read though.
Be forewarned this story is not about any ongoing major crime like the first. It's mostly focused on Chris and David getting their shit together and about Des coping without kyle in the aftermath of his tragic death. I'm still shivering when I think about it. It was sick I tell yeah!
But I need to express my thoughts so here it goes...
What a horse hoof up the arse situation. First they both broke up, then together again and the same song and dance repeats itself. Let's add to that little riff the messing around with other guys during their little hiatus apart. Like being broken apart meant diddly squat. What. A. Royal. Mess!
Me? I'd be despondent and in no shape to fawk around after professing to each other those three important words: I love you. Seems to me these words were fickle between Chris and David and full of untruths. Maybe they should be telling each other: I love you today, we'll see about that tomorrow. Both men are dumbasses in this story. Still enjoyed the whole read though.
March 16, 2010
Um. If, in your novella, you're going to include a sympathetic portrayal of a man devastated by a brutal rape and the murder of his lover, it is probably not a good idea to then append, as a "bonus" story, a tale of his best friend being blindfolded, abducted and forced to have sex with a man who then turns out to be his lover. Who was, apparently, just doing it for kinks.
The main novella was okay, I guess. I didn't feel I really got what was going on with David and Chris, but maybe I just wasn't paying attention? They seemed to go from together to never-going-to-be-together with neither rhyme nor reason.
Hugely disappointing after LA Heat.
The main novella was okay, I guess. I didn't feel I really got what was going on with David and Chris, but maybe I just wasn't paying attention? They seemed to go from together to never-going-to-be-together with neither rhyme nor reason.
Hugely disappointing after LA Heat.
October 3, 2015
la mischief
This was terrible, just terrible. Where do I start? The author took a great HFN from the first book and demolished it before we even start the second. The least she could have done was make the break up on page.
Here are my complaints in no particular order:
The 3 way was not hot at all.
In the beginning, David was way already !
Everyone is ragging on Chris, blaming the breakup (you find out in the first couple of pages) on him, telling him how great David was. No one's doing that with David even though Chris makes David a nicer person.
David tolerates gay jokes.
Chris calls a psychiatrist about Des who he's worried about and the guy starts analyzing Chris. The doctor admits that Des talks about Chris in session! Talks about how much Des needs him, puts a guilt trip on Chris. This is not just unethical, it’s illegal.
Not well written. Overuse of pronouns, repeated use of words. For example:
What slipped out the door? The hour? Or maybe the kitchen?
Not well edited, either. Stupid typos, lack of punctuation, compound words split (anyone to any one).
Their desire for each other is only explained in sexual terms. They want to fuck. We don't hear that they want to wake up next to each other, or do things for each other.
It’s unclear whether
FYI, buying American cars does not keep the jobs here. American cars are made in Mexico. Japanese cars are made in the US.
A lawyer would allow the client to sign papers related to criminal proceedings as soon as the papers are given to the attorney and the client. The lawyer would insist on looking them over and making sure the client understands them.
“EMTs will be dispatched to your location,” the woman rattled off Des’s address
EMTs are dispatched to a location based on a call from a cell phone. They wouldn't know the exact location from blackberry, which is part of the problem with cell phones used exclusively without home landlines.
One of the MCs uses the term fussbudget. Seriously? These are not old guys.
Chris has unsafe sex with David when BOTH have been fooling around and Chris knows he’s been unsafe.
The ending was very sudden.
Chris’s tire is slashed at one point and there is no resolution. It was just an inconvenience. Why make it slashed then instead of just flat?
There are two shorts after as well. The first one is cute and fine. The second is disgusting and bizarre for a story where rape has been an ugly part of the past two books.
At one point one of them says something about someone being "on the rag" to show they’re being a jerk. Really? Are you kidding me?
The novel gets a 2 because I do like Chris in this and love his relationship with Des. David was nice some of the time, too.
The first story gets a three. The second gets a zero.
I probably won't read the next one because from the summary, it sounds like it will make me even madder. It's sad because I really liked the first book in the series.
This was terrible, just terrible. Where do I start? The author took a great HFN from the first book and demolished it before we even start the second. The least she could have done was make the break up on page.
Here are my complaints in no particular order:
The 3 way was not hot at all.
In the beginning, David was way already !
Everyone is ragging on Chris, blaming the breakup (you find out in the first couple of pages) on him, telling him how great David was. No one's doing that with David even though Chris makes David a nicer person.
David tolerates gay jokes.
Chris calls a psychiatrist about Des who he's worried about and the guy starts analyzing Chris. The doctor admits that Des talks about Chris in session! Talks about how much Des needs him, puts a guilt trip on Chris. This is not just unethical, it’s illegal.
Not well written. Overuse of pronouns, repeated use of words. For example:
Then he tackled the kitchen. That took nearly an hour, finally slipping out the door a little after seven.
What slipped out the door? The hour? Or maybe the kitchen?
Not well edited, either. Stupid typos, lack of punctuation, compound words split (anyone to any one).
Their desire for each other is only explained in sexual terms. They want to fuck. We don't hear that they want to wake up next to each other, or do things for each other.
It’s unclear whether
FYI, buying American cars does not keep the jobs here. American cars are made in Mexico. Japanese cars are made in the US.
A lawyer would allow the client to sign papers related to criminal proceedings as soon as the papers are given to the attorney and the client. The lawyer would insist on looking them over and making sure the client understands them.
“EMTs will be dispatched to your location,” the woman rattled off Des’s address
EMTs are dispatched to a location based on a call from a cell phone. They wouldn't know the exact location from blackberry, which is part of the problem with cell phones used exclusively without home landlines.
One of the MCs uses the term fussbudget. Seriously? These are not old guys.
Chris has unsafe sex with David when BOTH have been fooling around and Chris knows he’s been unsafe.
The ending was very sudden.
Chris’s tire is slashed at one point and there is no resolution. It was just an inconvenience. Why make it slashed then instead of just flat?
There are two shorts after as well. The first one is cute and fine. The second is disgusting and bizarre for a story where rape has been an ugly part of the past two books.
At one point one of them says something about someone being "on the rag" to show they’re being a jerk. Really? Are you kidding me?
The novel gets a 2 because I do like Chris in this and love his relationship with Des. David was nice some of the time, too.
The first story gets a three. The second gets a zero.
I probably won't read the next one because from the summary, it sounds like it will make me even madder. It's sad because I really liked the first book in the series.
March 31, 2011
2nd in the L.A. series. I loved Des and I loved the friendship between Chris and Des and between David and Des. But I just didn't feel the mad love between David and Chris. I mean, Chris was pretty much head-over-heels for David, but David... David loved having sex with Chris - not making love, having sex - but he disliked everything Chris did and was outside the bedroom. I mean, he didn't even want to teach Chris how to drive stick or be seen with him in "his" bar. So yeah, I felt that Chris was selling himself short with David. And what really bothered me was that everybody blamed Chris when his and David's relationship failed. Seriously!
December 27, 2009
3.5 Stars
This is a sequel to "L.A. Heat" and from my point of view, the focus of this book is actually David' and Chris's relationship, NOT a murder case. There are two murder cases and both are resolved pretty quickly. I think this is more on the aftermath, how David and Chris try to walk things through since they are pretty much opposites. It's nice to read about Des too, how he deals with his life after what happened in "L.A. Heat". A nice read, and this have two short-stories of David and Chris, pretty much erotic :), as bonus.
This is a sequel to "L.A. Heat" and from my point of view, the focus of this book is actually David' and Chris's relationship, NOT a murder case. There are two murder cases and both are resolved pretty quickly. I think this is more on the aftermath, how David and Chris try to walk things through since they are pretty much opposites. It's nice to read about Des too, how he deals with his life after what happened in "L.A. Heat". A nice read, and this have two short-stories of David and Chris, pretty much erotic :), as bonus.
July 30, 2012
Good gay mystery in which David and Chris and their relationship (or lack thereof) definitely take precedence over the rest of the story. Two steamy short stories are tacked on to the end of the book.
June 11, 2018
*Spoilers for books 1 and 2*
Anyone else have whiplash watching these characters make a decision and then immediately change their minds? Some very loosely transcribed examples:
Chris: “Come on, Des. We have to move on from David and Kyle.”
Des: “Yeah, let’s move on.”
Chris: (two scenes later) “Squeeeeee! David invited me to a policeman’s ball!”
Des: “OMG, it’s finally happening. You and David are going to be together!”
Chris: “Des, you know you can’t drink while you’re on these meds!”
Des almost kills himself mixing wine and meds.
Chris: “We’re going out for coffee to celebrate my new car.”
They arrive at restaurant, Des ordered a Mojito. Um????? Is he really unmedicated enough to drink just days after his accidental overdose???
And one of those bad decisions Chris mentioned? Letting total strangers bareback him while drunk, then later having unprotected sex with David. How selfish can this jerk be? That’s beyond selfish. It’s irresponsible and potentially life threatening. He can do that and still claim to love David? Then again, David is in a quasi-relationship with another guy in the blink of an eye after breaking up with Chris, this guy already has a key to David’s house, and they engage in a threesome with another guy. But one sighting of Chris later and all of sudden, Mr. Has-A-Key isn’t good enough for David?
And for all the "Chris is a bad friend to Des because he gets drunk and missed a therapy appointment" but what about how Des is a bad friend to Chris? Chris broke off a relationship with David because David tried to shove him into the closet and refused to be seen with him in public, yet Des has the nerve to tell Chris he really fucked up by breaking up with David? Wow, Des, be a little more shortsighted. At least Chris supports you through your survivor's guilt even though Kyle was a total asshole and his demise was no great loss to anyone but you!
And then there’s the finances. Chris left his job, worries about money, isn’t making what he used to, yet can still buy a designer Italian suit from his friend’s boutique and, in order to save money, trades in his gas guzzler not for something used and fuel efficient. Nope, he buys a brand new SUV. Um, in what world does that save money? Does he really think it is less expensive to insure a new vehicle than one with a few years and miles on it? That’s not how insurance works.
The dialogue needs refining, and the characters could certainly have used some developing. I thought L.A. Heat was okay, but this follow-up was poorly executed.
Anyone else have whiplash watching these characters make a decision and then immediately change their minds? Some very loosely transcribed examples:
Chris: “Come on, Des. We have to move on from David and Kyle.”
Des: “Yeah, let’s move on.”
Chris: (two scenes later) “Squeeeeee! David invited me to a policeman’s ball!”
Des: “OMG, it’s finally happening. You and David are going to be together!”
Chris: “Des, you know you can’t drink while you’re on these meds!”
Des almost kills himself mixing wine and meds.
Chris: “We’re going out for coffee to celebrate my new car.”
They arrive at restaurant, Des ordered a Mojito. Um????? Is he really unmedicated enough to drink just days after his accidental overdose???
And one of those bad decisions Chris mentioned? Letting total strangers bareback him while drunk, then later having unprotected sex with David. How selfish can this jerk be? That’s beyond selfish. It’s irresponsible and potentially life threatening. He can do that and still claim to love David? Then again, David is in a quasi-relationship with another guy in the blink of an eye after breaking up with Chris, this guy already has a key to David’s house, and they engage in a threesome with another guy. But one sighting of Chris later and all of sudden, Mr. Has-A-Key isn’t good enough for David?
And for all the "Chris is a bad friend to Des because he gets drunk and missed a therapy appointment" but what about how Des is a bad friend to Chris? Chris broke off a relationship with David because David tried to shove him into the closet and refused to be seen with him in public, yet Des has the nerve to tell Chris he really fucked up by breaking up with David? Wow, Des, be a little more shortsighted. At least Chris supports you through your survivor's guilt even though Kyle was a total asshole and his demise was no great loss to anyone but you!
And then there’s the finances. Chris left his job, worries about money, isn’t making what he used to, yet can still buy a designer Italian suit from his friend’s boutique and, in order to save money, trades in his gas guzzler not for something used and fuel efficient. Nope, he buys a brand new SUV. Um, in what world does that save money? Does he really think it is less expensive to insure a new vehicle than one with a few years and miles on it? That’s not how insurance works.
The dialogue needs refining, and the characters could certainly have used some developing. I thought L.A. Heat was okay, but this follow-up was poorly executed.
July 26, 2020
I quite liked first book, although shallow main characters was something to get used to, but, hey, some people are like that so why not to read about how their life is like, but second is big dissapointment. I am putting this book away after reading first half of it, no mystery or even murders anywhere (except one just at beginning which just serves to get guys back on each other´s pats), just again and again "yes we broke up after few weeks but lets get back together as we are clearly destined for each other..." blaah. Shame, it could have been good
September 30, 2024
Um, so what happened to the HFN in book 1?? Oh yeah. It's not quite about moving on. This is about trying to work out their respective issues. So not sure I loved this. Was really looking for something more and seeing a different guy in bed with an MC threw me. Finally got into it but didn't enjoy this as much as the first.
August 18, 2009
This is a collection of three stories that focuses on the relationship between Chris and David from LA Heat. The first story is about David and Chris’ relationship and the next two are short, erotic encounters certain to raise the heat level. Be sure to have read the first book prior as the characters and past events play heavily into this continuation. These stories are not a second book so much as a deeper look into the main characters from the first book.
The first story has a bit of a confusing timeline. At the end of LA Heat there is a sweet Christmas interlude some four months after the Carpet Killer murders have been solved. Everyone is moving on and doing well with no mention of any problems. Not an epilogue but a tidy and satisfying romantic ending to the book. Well in this story, the author doesn’t clarify when these events take place. The best guess I have is that it occurs sometime after the murders have been solved but before the happy ending at Christmas was depicted in the previous book. There are numerous continuity errors that also make the timeline confusing. For example, in LA Mischief it’s around Halloween and a few months after the murders had been solved. Clearly this few months is bandied about a bit much making the actual timing wrong. The author also states that David and Martinez have been partners for seven years whereas they’d only been partners for five years in LA Heat and this takes place a few months after that.
So clearly the author didn’t check her details very well thus leading to the confusing timeline. Also David and Chris have broken up already at the start of the story and are going out, sleeping with random men to get over the breakup they both felt was inevitable. But if you can get past the lack of continuity, this isn’t a bad look at their relationship. Unfortunately Brown’s writing strength is in the procedural, cop style of the book and less so on characterization, which falls flat and empty. Chris and David spend a lot of time pinning for each other and even attempting to see each other but repeatedly claim their relationship is over and must move on. Their actions and words are direct contradictions leaving the characters and reader confused and mystified. Thankfully these two do end up together, but the journey is rather random and not very emotionally satisfying.
Chris and David are likable characters and you do want them to end up together, not only for the sake of a romantic and happy ending. Clearly they have issues and it’s nice to see the complexity worked into their relationship highlighting their very different needs and experiences. However, the excessive sleeping around and almost bland actions towards each other contradict this passionate, true love the author is trying to depict. While I didn’t quite buy into their deep love affair, I did want it to end well and hoped they’d work out. The additional two erotic encounters were fun to read and definitely had the temperature skyrocketing, although they didn’t add much to the relationship. These are purely for the sake of some hot sex scenes.
If you liked LA Heat, you’ll most likely enjoy these three stories if you can get past the obvious errors. It’s always a welcome treat to see two liked characters have some fun and work on their relationship even if it reads a little bland and contradictory. Hopefully the next offering will play to the author’s strengths, but even so this is a quick, interesting story that was nice to read.
The first story has a bit of a confusing timeline. At the end of LA Heat there is a sweet Christmas interlude some four months after the Carpet Killer murders have been solved. Everyone is moving on and doing well with no mention of any problems. Not an epilogue but a tidy and satisfying romantic ending to the book. Well in this story, the author doesn’t clarify when these events take place. The best guess I have is that it occurs sometime after the murders have been solved but before the happy ending at Christmas was depicted in the previous book. There are numerous continuity errors that also make the timeline confusing. For example, in LA Mischief it’s around Halloween and a few months after the murders had been solved. Clearly this few months is bandied about a bit much making the actual timing wrong. The author also states that David and Martinez have been partners for seven years whereas they’d only been partners for five years in LA Heat and this takes place a few months after that.
So clearly the author didn’t check her details very well thus leading to the confusing timeline. Also David and Chris have broken up already at the start of the story and are going out, sleeping with random men to get over the breakup they both felt was inevitable. But if you can get past the lack of continuity, this isn’t a bad look at their relationship. Unfortunately Brown’s writing strength is in the procedural, cop style of the book and less so on characterization, which falls flat and empty. Chris and David spend a lot of time pinning for each other and even attempting to see each other but repeatedly claim their relationship is over and must move on. Their actions and words are direct contradictions leaving the characters and reader confused and mystified. Thankfully these two do end up together, but the journey is rather random and not very emotionally satisfying.
Chris and David are likable characters and you do want them to end up together, not only for the sake of a romantic and happy ending. Clearly they have issues and it’s nice to see the complexity worked into their relationship highlighting their very different needs and experiences. However, the excessive sleeping around and almost bland actions towards each other contradict this passionate, true love the author is trying to depict. While I didn’t quite buy into their deep love affair, I did want it to end well and hoped they’d work out. The additional two erotic encounters were fun to read and definitely had the temperature skyrocketing, although they didn’t add much to the relationship. These are purely for the sake of some hot sex scenes.
If you liked LA Heat, you’ll most likely enjoy these three stories if you can get past the obvious errors. It’s always a welcome treat to see two liked characters have some fun and work on their relationship even if it reads a little bland and contradictory. Hopefully the next offering will play to the author’s strengths, but even so this is a quick, interesting story that was nice to read.
March 4, 2014
4.5 Stars
I thoroughly enjoyed this one. It was different from book one not only in length (this one came in at 164 pages versus book one's 307 pages) but also because book two focused on the relationship development between David and Chris. *the romantic emo in me preens* I LOOOOOVED it. Although the mystery doesn't drive the plot the way it did in book one, it's still good.
Also, there are two short stories included in this publication: Halloween Pickup and Kidnapped. They occur in sequence (between books 2 and 3) and offer quick (and smexy) peeks into the developing relationship between David and Chris.
Bottom line: I'm hooked.
I thoroughly enjoyed this one. It was different from book one not only in length (this one came in at 164 pages versus book one's 307 pages) but also because book two focused on the relationship development between David and Chris. *the romantic emo in me preens* I LOOOOOVED it. Although the mystery doesn't drive the plot the way it did in book one, it's still good.
Also, there are two short stories included in this publication: Halloween Pickup and Kidnapped. They occur in sequence (between books 2 and 3) and offer quick (and smexy) peeks into the developing relationship between David and Chris.
Bottom line: I'm hooked.
August 29, 2015
I don't know what happened with this ePub file. It seems like they took a paperback book, cut the binding off, and scanned it into an ePub file that wasn't edited well before being sold. There are places where words are missing or just plain wrong. There are sections where the ending bold or italics tags were missing causing large sections to be bold or in italics. I was able to overlook it for the most part.
I didn't think this one was as good as the first one. There's no real meat to the story... it flits from one subject to another while Chris and David work on their relationship. Then it ends rather abruptly.
I didn't think this one was as good as the first one. There's no real meat to the story... it flits from one subject to another while Chris and David work on their relationship. Then it ends rather abruptly.
December 25, 2016
So the detective work part was good. I didn't like how everyone was placing the blame for breakup on Chris alone. I didn't like that Chris and David broke up off-screen in-between novels - feels like a cheap move. And then there were the extra stories. The first one was passable - a bit of a tonal shift from the way things were left off at the end of main novel, but I guess I can place it further along the timeline - but the second one
September 6, 2015
There wasn't a mystery at the heart of the story like last book which I think was a huge change and made me not like this book as much. The story is focused on Chris and David and them trying to work out a relationship again. I really think Chris needed a kick at the beginning of the book. He went right back to his old ways and he was messing up with helping his best friend, Des. (Poor Des. I really hope he gets a good guy for himself soon.) It was a ok story. I just couldn't connect with it, it seemed to drag for me.
May 29, 2012
Rating would have been higher but there are some continuity errors... Main character is named Christopher Robin Bellemere in book 1 and then Christopher Ryan in book 2. Also, the backstory of Chris' family's acceptance of his sexuality was not consistent between book 1 and 2. Chris told David one thing and his bff told David another in book 2. I'm continuing to read book 3 but if details just keep changing to suit the moment... blech.
September 24, 2015
Much worse proofing, very little plot, some hot sex, some confusing behavior from people. The editing was FAR worse and makes me think the quality of the first book in the series was thanks to the editor. I'm disappointed but not devastated. I'll read a sample of the next in the series before buying it, but I regularly buy crap out of desperation so I'll likely read it even if the quality is worse. After all, I think it took 20 books before I stopped reading Anita Blake.
April 25, 2010
I was a bit disappointed because the whole story was just about Chris and David coming back together, without the mystery/crime story. The ones included were about what LAPD is dealing on day-to-day basis. Sure, it's much more realistic this way (who would believe Chris can get himself into trouble in every book?) but not that enjoyable.
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May 30, 2011Ouch. That last short story just killed this for me.
The book is about surviving trauma and how crime can shatter people's lives and relationships. The 'novella' is a standard 'abduction/rape fantasy' complete with blindfolds. Done to death by erotic writers, but could be fun in some contexts - just totally creepy in this one.
The book is about surviving trauma and how crime can shatter people's lives and relationships. The 'novella' is a standard 'abduction/rape fantasy' complete with blindfolds. Done to death by erotic writers, but could be fun in some contexts - just totally creepy in this one.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
April 11, 2012
Barely 3 stars. A very different book than the first one. The book started with Chris and David broken up. Not quite how the first book ended!! Then there was really no mystery to speak of. The way it was written I didn't buy David and Chris getting back together.
I genuinely like the characters, but I'm not sure that I will continue with the series.
I genuinely like the characters, but I'm not sure that I will continue with the series.
March 26, 2013
I love it when characters are shit to each other.
Wish there's a 1.5 star rating, because this needs half a star off just for the 'mysteries' alone. They're not mysteries, just description of a cop doing his routine and serves as nothing but filler. I'm not sure if taking it all out would have made it a better novel, but it being there certainly did it no favors.
Wish there's a 1.5 star rating, because this needs half a star off just for the 'mysteries' alone. They're not mysteries, just description of a cop doing his routine and serves as nothing but filler. I'm not sure if taking it all out would have made it a better novel, but it being there certainly did it no favors.
March 25, 2012
I would have liked it to have a stronger detective story line. It was already established that they loved each other in the first book and I found all the angst unnecessary. I would have prefered the story to have ended in book one.
August 26, 2012
The thing with the L.A. books it that I really like Chris but David...not so much. I know he is afraid of what will happen when everyone knows that he is gay but the thing is that that came out in the first book so why does he continue to try to hide it a work...it annoys me a bit.
January 6, 2016
I'm a little stunned by the stupidity of both these men in regards to safe sex. No mentions of getting tested before they move in with each other, either. I loved Des' storyline, though. I want more of him!
September 7, 2016
A nice follow-up to the first novel, yet focuses much more on the relationship/romance of homicide detective, David Laine, and IT Tech, Christopher Bellemere. I've already purchased book #3 since it's focused more on police procedural mystery/thriller.
June 1, 2019
At first i considered giving this one star, because it was basically just porn with haracter I don't know, but since it made me curious about the previous books, I went higher.
The story is just pwp, but the writing is fine and it isn't too sugary.
Two stars.
The story is just pwp, but the writing is fine and it isn't too sugary.
Two stars.
October 24, 2010
Quick read, explains some emotional relationship things from the end of the first book that really needed explaining to believe the conclusion.
December 28, 2010
Really enjoyed it, but I preferred LA Heat.
December 27, 2011
4.5 *
WOW, this was so frustrating, yet wonderful reading! Both David and Chris played on my nerves. I so wanted them to be together again!
WOW, this was so frustrating, yet wonderful reading! Both David and Chris played on my nerves. I so wanted them to be together again!
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