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Crossroads #1
Crossroads
Handsome ex-cop Frank McGuire is on a quest to locate his dead partner's missing son. Rand Brennan has an identity issue, exercabated since the death of his father. Hoping to find himself, Rand drops out of college, takes to the streets, and doesn't realize he's embroiled in duplicity and murder. In order to save Rand, Frank must confront the nefarious killers and...confront his long-suppressed feelings for Rand.
scenes of intense sexual activity
scenes of intense sexual activity
73 pages, ebook
First published March 23, 2008
About the author
Keta Diablo
90 books417 followersKeta Diablo lives in the Midwest part of the United States on six acres of gorgeous woodland. When she isn't writing or gardening she loves to commune with nature. A pair of barn owls returns to the property every year to birth their young and show them off in the high branches of the oak trees. Nothing more adorable than these white fluffy babies with heart-shaped faces. A lifelong animal lover, Keta devotes her time and support to the local animal shelter. Emma LaPounce, a rescued feline, has been her furry companion for the last ten years.
Keta is an award-winning and best-selling author who writes in several genres: Western Romance, Historical Romance, Paranormal Romance and Contemporary Romance. In a past life, she wrote Gay Romance. Her books have received numerous accolades, including RWA contest finalist, Authors After Dark finalist, Top Pick of the Month and Recommended Review from top review sites, and Best Romance Finalist from The Independent Author Network.
Ps: For some strange reason, ghosts often show up in her stories, no matter the genre.
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Keta is an award-winning and best-selling author who writes in several genres: Western Romance, Historical Romance, Paranormal Romance and Contemporary Romance. In a past life, she wrote Gay Romance. Her books have received numerous accolades, including RWA contest finalist, Authors After Dark finalist, Top Pick of the Month and Recommended Review from top review sites, and Best Romance Finalist from The Independent Author Network.
Ps: For some strange reason, ghosts often show up in her stories, no matter the genre.
my link text
Keta would be thrilled if you'd find her on the Net and follow her:
★ AUTHOR HOME
★ Author Blog
★ AMAZON
★ Goodreads
★Google+
★ Book Bub/a>
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Displaying 1 - 23 of 23 reviews
February 24, 2010
Personally, I got to about page 7 before I wondered when the cliche would end.
It ended right about the time the main character raped the guy he had the hots for. There is a fine line between forced seduction and rape. There is a fine line between trusting someone enough to play such games with and having no clue as to who someone is and being violated by them without consent.
Up until then he was an average character. From that point on, all I wanted to do was take his "tools" and shove them... well... right where he decided to stick them in the poor kid. Once I was done with that... I wanted to less than gently add his glock, and let him feel what it's like to be forced into sex with a foreign object with a stranger, before finally putting him out of his misery by pulling the trigger.
Had this been a woman as the victim, I guarantee you there would be tons of people screaming for blood. So why is it okay when it's two men?
I can NOT in good conscience recommend this book based on THAT reason alone. I won't bother with the rest of the issues with it. I think I've said enough.
It ended right about the time the main character raped the guy he had the hots for. There is a fine line between forced seduction and rape. There is a fine line between trusting someone enough to play such games with and having no clue as to who someone is and being violated by them without consent.
Up until then he was an average character. From that point on, all I wanted to do was take his "tools" and shove them... well... right where he decided to stick them in the poor kid. Once I was done with that... I wanted to less than gently add his glock, and let him feel what it's like to be forced into sex with a foreign object with a stranger, before finally putting him out of his misery by pulling the trigger.
Had this been a woman as the victim, I guarantee you there would be tons of people screaming for blood. So why is it okay when it's two men?
I can NOT in good conscience recommend this book based on THAT reason alone. I won't bother with the rest of the issues with it. I think I've said enough.
April 24, 2020
3.5 stars
All in all it was OK. The suspense of the story was great. Fast paced action with a cop turned P.I. with a grudge for the underbelly of Baltimore what wasn't to love. What I didn't understand was the quick sex/stalker/almost rape scenario. That part was weird. Going to read the other books in the series but not right now.
All in all it was OK. The suspense of the story was great. Fast paced action with a cop turned P.I. with a grudge for the underbelly of Baltimore what wasn't to love. What I didn't understand was the quick sex/stalker/almost rape scenario. That part was weird. Going to read the other books in the series but not right now.
February 5, 2012
I have never given a book one star before. Usually there is at least one redeeming factor that makes it two stars. But not this story, this is pure rubbish. Everything about this book screams trash bin - from poor writing and unlikable main characters to rape masquerading as BDSM, nothing works.
Another reviewer states that Keta Diablo likes non pc characters. If so, that's fine. But this goes far beyond that. They are not merely non pc, the main character is reprehensible and the author seems unable to tell the difference.
Frank McGuire is a psychic ex cop who has been asked to help the police find a serial killer. Frank left the force after his partner died in his arms during an arrest. He distanced himself from everything that reminded him of his former life, including his partner's family. Now, his partner's widow calls Frank with a frantic request which is remarkable considering he had abandoned the family. Her son has gone missing and she wants Frank to find him. So far sounds harmless right?
Stop reading if you don't want spoilers:
Spoiler Alert: But it turns out that both Frank and Rand (the boy ) are gay. Rand idolized Frank and Frank had sexual thoughts about the kid when he was underage. Once Frank finds the boy (now 19), he follows him back to his apartment, dons a black hood and rapes him to scare him into going home. I am sure that Keta Diablo would tell you that it is BDSM but it's not. Its rape. And what's worse is that when Rand at a later date ties up Frank and tries to threaten him (to get a little payback which he is due), Frank gets loose and rapes him again even as the boy pleads with him to stop, that he is hurting him. This is a man Rand worshiped as a kid. Later Frank only feels nominal guilt and really at this point, the reader doesn't believe it. The man's a pedophile and a sadist and the main character?
The psychic section of the novel is weak as well. Pick any D rated horror movie and they do a better job with the dead floating about with messages for the living than this does. More "flipping pages, flipping pages". But the worst is yet to come. The serial killer ends up with Rand's sister in his basement so Frank and Rand are obliged to rescue her. So it turns out that there are two killers operating together, and the main one is a transvestite who does the torturing and killing. Of course, it's a Transvestite. Because that's NEVER been done before. *shakes head* But the very worst of this book? That Rand moves in with the man who has raped him twice, saying that his mother approves. Boy loves man who rapes him, moves in with him. Does nobody have a problem with this? It would be different if they were writing about a character that had Stockholm syndrome but that is not the case here. Shades of Luke and Laura and General Hospital in the 80's. It caused an uproar than. It should still do so now.
So like I said. No redeeming value. Definitely not worth the bytes it takes up on my computer so I am deleting it. I usually give an author at least 3 tries before I stop reading their books but may make the exception here. It would have to be a great recommendation before I pick up anything else from Keta Diablo. It says she has an "environmental lake" on her six acre property.j That should have warned me as lakes by their very nature are "environmental". *shakes head* Clueless, she is absolutely clueless.
Don't buy it, don't read it. I'm done.
Another reviewer states that Keta Diablo likes non pc characters. If so, that's fine. But this goes far beyond that. They are not merely non pc, the main character is reprehensible and the author seems unable to tell the difference.
Frank McGuire is a psychic ex cop who has been asked to help the police find a serial killer. Frank left the force after his partner died in his arms during an arrest. He distanced himself from everything that reminded him of his former life, including his partner's family. Now, his partner's widow calls Frank with a frantic request which is remarkable considering he had abandoned the family. Her son has gone missing and she wants Frank to find him. So far sounds harmless right?
Stop reading if you don't want spoilers:
Spoiler Alert: But it turns out that both Frank and Rand (the boy ) are gay. Rand idolized Frank and Frank had sexual thoughts about the kid when he was underage. Once Frank finds the boy (now 19), he follows him back to his apartment, dons a black hood and rapes him to scare him into going home. I am sure that Keta Diablo would tell you that it is BDSM but it's not. Its rape. And what's worse is that when Rand at a later date ties up Frank and tries to threaten him (to get a little payback which he is due), Frank gets loose and rapes him again even as the boy pleads with him to stop, that he is hurting him. This is a man Rand worshiped as a kid. Later Frank only feels nominal guilt and really at this point, the reader doesn't believe it. The man's a pedophile and a sadist and the main character?
The psychic section of the novel is weak as well. Pick any D rated horror movie and they do a better job with the dead floating about with messages for the living than this does. More "flipping pages, flipping pages". But the worst is yet to come. The serial killer ends up with Rand's sister in his basement so Frank and Rand are obliged to rescue her. So it turns out that there are two killers operating together, and the main one is a transvestite who does the torturing and killing. Of course, it's a Transvestite. Because that's NEVER been done before. *shakes head* But the very worst of this book? That Rand moves in with the man who has raped him twice, saying that his mother approves. Boy loves man who rapes him, moves in with him. Does nobody have a problem with this? It would be different if they were writing about a character that had Stockholm syndrome but that is not the case here. Shades of Luke and Laura and General Hospital in the 80's. It caused an uproar than. It should still do so now.
So like I said. No redeeming value. Definitely not worth the bytes it takes up on my computer so I am deleting it. I usually give an author at least 3 tries before I stop reading their books but may make the exception here. It would have to be a great recommendation before I pick up anything else from Keta Diablo. It says she has an "environmental lake" on her six acre property.j That should have warned me as lakes by their very nature are "environmental". *shakes head* Clueless, she is absolutely clueless.
Don't buy it, don't read it. I'm done.
May 16, 2020
I want to say, I really, really enjoyed this story, but I had a few personal issues that made me have to mark it down. Like I said, it’s a personal thing, you guys may think differently. It is a good mystery, murder and such and I loved where the plot went with this story. My problem with this book comes between Frank and Rand.
Frank was a cop. But after a robbery gone bad, and the loss of his partner and father figure, he couldn’t stomach it anymore and went into private investigation. He tried his hardest to stay in contact with his partner’s family, but everyday was just torturous for him and he eventually walked away. Now 5 years later, the family is coming back into his life, along with a serial killer. And he’s finding out, they are all connected and in a way that he doesn’t like. After scaring the snot out of Rand, his partner’s son, into giving up something, he finds out the sister has been captured. And he knows by who. But what he doesn’t expect is that there is a bit more to the story than he originally thought, because he couldn’t figure out the meaning of the messages he was getting from beyond. And now he has to save both kids before it’s too late.
Like I said, the plot of this was great. Serial killer, paranormal investigator, and finding a way to stop the murders. My problem was when Frank went to scare Rand, his partner’s kid, I think it went way too far. He was practically getting his jollies off while scaring him. And in retaliation, when Rand figured out it was Frank who scared him, he sought out revenge. And it ended up working against him. And for me, Frank took it too far again. Because to me, it really wasn’t consensual with what they did. And that was a huge issue for me. Huge. So for you guys, it may not cross that line for you. I hope you guys give this book and this series a shot, if only for the fact, the plot really is that good. It’s a twisted murder mystery and it’s good. I just have that one main issue.
Other than that, I recommend it. I love paranormal stuff and I love murder mysteries so for me, that alone made it work for me. Give it a shot and see what you think.
http://lovebytesreviews.com/
Frank was a cop. But after a robbery gone bad, and the loss of his partner and father figure, he couldn’t stomach it anymore and went into private investigation. He tried his hardest to stay in contact with his partner’s family, but everyday was just torturous for him and he eventually walked away. Now 5 years later, the family is coming back into his life, along with a serial killer. And he’s finding out, they are all connected and in a way that he doesn’t like. After scaring the snot out of Rand, his partner’s son, into giving up something, he finds out the sister has been captured. And he knows by who. But what he doesn’t expect is that there is a bit more to the story than he originally thought, because he couldn’t figure out the meaning of the messages he was getting from beyond. And now he has to save both kids before it’s too late.
Like I said, the plot of this was great. Serial killer, paranormal investigator, and finding a way to stop the murders. My problem was when Frank went to scare Rand, his partner’s kid, I think it went way too far. He was practically getting his jollies off while scaring him. And in retaliation, when Rand figured out it was Frank who scared him, he sought out revenge. And it ended up working against him. And for me, Frank took it too far again. Because to me, it really wasn’t consensual with what they did. And that was a huge issue for me. Huge. So for you guys, it may not cross that line for you. I hope you guys give this book and this series a shot, if only for the fact, the plot really is that good. It’s a twisted murder mystery and it’s good. I just have that one main issue.
Other than that, I recommend it. I love paranormal stuff and I love murder mysteries so for me, that alone made it work for me. Give it a shot and see what you think.
http://lovebytesreviews.com/
Read
June 5, 2009Keta Diablo likes the unpolitically correct characters. I had just a little taste of it in a previous short story in which one of the character was a man who cheated on his lover for fear of commitment; as you all know, for me a cheating man is something I can hardly forgive, even if, truth be told, in that book the man was doing everything possible to be forgiven.
In this new book Frank is the most possible anti-hero you can find. A mix of Inspector Callaghan meets Yaoi, Frank is a private investigator who has a little help from the otherworld: he sees dead people... not so original, you will think, there is even a series (Eye Spy by Drew Zachary) in which not only the private investigator sees ghosts, he has even a ghost partner (partner as lover). But let's start from the beginning: when Frank was still a rookie in the police department he was taken under the wing of an older police officer, Quinn; he was like a father for Frank and welcomed him in his home where Frank met Rand, the 17 years old gay son of the man. Since Frank was gay, and Quinn knew it, and Rand was in need of a firm hand, Quinn and his wife encouraged Frank towards Rand, but Frank did the only right thing he will do in all the book, he didn't take advantage of the young boy (even if with he had the consensus of the parents). And, as I said, that was the last time Frank behaved as a good man; soon after Quinn died in the line of duty, and Frank resisted only few months near the widow and her two sons, and then left her alone with all her trouble, even if the woman welcomed him in her home. Five years he acted as he didn't know that the woman needed him and that her son Rand considered him a role model, and loosing him at the same time of his father was not probably for the best.
After five years the widow calls him since her son Rand is disappeared since three months without notice. The woman knows that probably the young man, now 22 years old, is in some trouble and asks Frank to find and bring him home again. Due to his sense of guilty and the respect he had for his father, what do you think Frank should do? find the boy, teach him a lesson and bring him safe and sound at home, right? Oh yes, Frank finds him all right, but also breaks into his apartment at night wearing a hood, chains the boy at the bed, gags him and plays with him using a martial weapon as sex toys, to end all with a thoroughly sex session, the part that remembered me a yaoi manga, whimpers, blushing and tears all together.
So no, Frank is not exactly a private investigator by the book, and Rand is not probably the innocent boy who Frank remembers, but one thing you can say of this book, it didn't play according the rule. And so if you are searching a lot of sex, down and dirty, and a very bad boy character, that is unrepentant till and beyond the end of the book, probably this one could be an interesting and unusual choice. I can't say more on the story since this is only a novella and if I say more on the mystery part, I will risk to give up the book. And then, truth be told, with two long and detailed sex scenes, there is not much space left.
http://www.amazon.com/dp/B0024NP47U/?...
In this new book Frank is the most possible anti-hero you can find. A mix of Inspector Callaghan meets Yaoi, Frank is a private investigator who has a little help from the otherworld: he sees dead people... not so original, you will think, there is even a series (Eye Spy by Drew Zachary) in which not only the private investigator sees ghosts, he has even a ghost partner (partner as lover). But let's start from the beginning: when Frank was still a rookie in the police department he was taken under the wing of an older police officer, Quinn; he was like a father for Frank and welcomed him in his home where Frank met Rand, the 17 years old gay son of the man. Since Frank was gay, and Quinn knew it, and Rand was in need of a firm hand, Quinn and his wife encouraged Frank towards Rand, but Frank did the only right thing he will do in all the book, he didn't take advantage of the young boy (even if with he had the consensus of the parents). And, as I said, that was the last time Frank behaved as a good man; soon after Quinn died in the line of duty, and Frank resisted only few months near the widow and her two sons, and then left her alone with all her trouble, even if the woman welcomed him in her home. Five years he acted as he didn't know that the woman needed him and that her son Rand considered him a role model, and loosing him at the same time of his father was not probably for the best.
After five years the widow calls him since her son Rand is disappeared since three months without notice. The woman knows that probably the young man, now 22 years old, is in some trouble and asks Frank to find and bring him home again. Due to his sense of guilty and the respect he had for his father, what do you think Frank should do? find the boy, teach him a lesson and bring him safe and sound at home, right? Oh yes, Frank finds him all right, but also breaks into his apartment at night wearing a hood, chains the boy at the bed, gags him and plays with him using a martial weapon as sex toys, to end all with a thoroughly sex session, the part that remembered me a yaoi manga, whimpers, blushing and tears all together.
So no, Frank is not exactly a private investigator by the book, and Rand is not probably the innocent boy who Frank remembers, but one thing you can say of this book, it didn't play according the rule. And so if you are searching a lot of sex, down and dirty, and a very bad boy character, that is unrepentant till and beyond the end of the book, probably this one could be an interesting and unusual choice. I can't say more on the story since this is only a novella and if I say more on the mystery part, I will risk to give up the book. And then, truth be told, with two long and detailed sex scenes, there is not much space left.
http://www.amazon.com/dp/B0024NP47U/?...
January 18, 2013
Though utterly misused I could feel some raw talent in Ms Diablo's writing. She has good ideas and an instict for storytelling.
All the rest is lacking.
First of all, much of the story is "told" and not "shown": a basic mistakes that classes authors immediately among the amateurs. Who might be willing to pay for an amateur's effort? Not me.
One could also mention that the story could have used more pages and a better development.
The parts developed in full detail are the two sex scenes which would not be bad in themselves, quite intriguing even, were it not for a tiny weenie small detail: it is not a matter of dubious consent with them, it is outright rape. It hardly matters that the victim seems to enjoy the first rape in the end (and the why is left unexplained) only to get angry and then change his mind again in time for the second rape. The raper's motives are far from crystal clear and once again "told" instead of "shown".
The rest of the novella seems more a draft than a full fledged story. The lead -who is also the raper- might be interesting if we got to know him a little better. The same could be said for the raped lead, aka love interest of the raper.
On the whole what we have here seems a summary of the true story done by a mediocre high-school student who was only interested in the sex scenes.
All the rest is lacking.
First of all, much of the story is "told" and not "shown": a basic mistakes that classes authors immediately among the amateurs. Who might be willing to pay for an amateur's effort? Not me.
One could also mention that the story could have used more pages and a better development.
The parts developed in full detail are the two sex scenes which would not be bad in themselves, quite intriguing even, were it not for a tiny weenie small detail: it is not a matter of dubious consent with them, it is outright rape. It hardly matters that the victim seems to enjoy the first rape in the end (and the why is left unexplained) only to get angry and then change his mind again in time for the second rape. The raper's motives are far from crystal clear and once again "told" instead of "shown".
The rest of the novella seems more a draft than a full fledged story. The lead -who is also the raper- might be interesting if we got to know him a little better. The same could be said for the raped lead, aka love interest of the raper.
On the whole what we have here seems a summary of the true story done by a mediocre high-school student who was only interested in the sex scenes.
May 14, 2010
I did not care for this book at all. The characters were all unlikable. It has nothing to do with the forced sex or trying to cram two nunchucks in one anus, it has to do with the fact that the writing is just bad. The sentence structure is poor, verbiage overused and reads like a woman writing a Mary Sue so she can insert herself into the fantasy while she's typing one-handed. I've read better work for free on Literotica.
I did finish it, hoping against hope it would get better. It did not. Further, this character Frank... his interest is his ex-partner's son. She keeps using words like "boy" and "son" to make him seem younger. Pedophiles trade stories like these, making sure for legal purposes to say the character is 18, but continue to use words that enhance the description of youth. This is thinly veiled pedo spank masquerading as an m/m.
Further, this author is known for her bullying treatment of those who dare to be honest about their opinions of her work and has huge entitlement issues. She seems to think because she vomitted out some words that we should all love it like the second coming. For that reason alone, I'd never buy another one of her books. Oh yeah, and the pedo spank.
I did finish it, hoping against hope it would get better. It did not. Further, this character Frank... his interest is his ex-partner's son. She keeps using words like "boy" and "son" to make him seem younger. Pedophiles trade stories like these, making sure for legal purposes to say the character is 18, but continue to use words that enhance the description of youth. This is thinly veiled pedo spank masquerading as an m/m.
Further, this author is known for her bullying treatment of those who dare to be honest about their opinions of her work and has huge entitlement issues. She seems to think because she vomitted out some words that we should all love it like the second coming. For that reason alone, I'd never buy another one of her books. Oh yeah, and the pedo spank.
January 4, 2013
Seriously, it is unfortunate that I actually read this entire book, thinking at some point it must get better. Save yourself: it does not. A smarter person would have realized this is published by phaze, which, in my opinion, only puts out absolute crap, yet somehow has one or two decent authors.
potential spoilers:
anyway, Crossroads features: bad writing, contrived plot, rape, the always well-done 'i'm in love with my rapist' storyline, a psychic, a transvestite killer, and headaches/what-the-hells for the unsuspecting reader.
potential spoilers:
anyway, Crossroads features: bad writing, contrived plot, rape, the always well-done 'i'm in love with my rapist' storyline, a psychic, a transvestite killer, and headaches/what-the-hells for the unsuspecting reader.
September 2, 2020
Romantic paranormal detective thriller
When Frank was asked to investigate a string of mysterious deaths he never imagined they would turn personal. Little did he know his past and present would colide in a drama filled thrill ride. However when the widow of his late partner begged him to find her son old fellings of passion he had for the lad came rushing back so hard they almost crushed him. Now the question is can Frank save his love before it is to late? This is a passion filled paranormal thriller romance filled with suspense, twists and ghostly victims. This is an all around good read with deep characters, chills, thrills and a bit of a twist. Plus unlike many series this book's ending leaves you satisfied. Therefor, I highly recommend this book to anyone who likes action, paranormal reads, thrillers, mystery and gay romance.
When Frank was asked to investigate a string of mysterious deaths he never imagined they would turn personal. Little did he know his past and present would colide in a drama filled thrill ride. However when the widow of his late partner begged him to find her son old fellings of passion he had for the lad came rushing back so hard they almost crushed him. Now the question is can Frank save his love before it is to late? This is a passion filled paranormal thriller romance filled with suspense, twists and ghostly victims. This is an all around good read with deep characters, chills, thrills and a bit of a twist. Plus unlike many series this book's ending leaves you satisfied. Therefor, I highly recommend this book to anyone who likes action, paranormal reads, thrillers, mystery and gay romance.
April 17, 2020
Crossroads
I was hooked! An absolute thrill ride that had me glued to the pages reading till the very end. I really enjoyed the mystery and suspense. This story was a delightful PI M/M thriller that will leave you wanting more.
I was hooked! An absolute thrill ride that had me glued to the pages reading till the very end. I really enjoyed the mystery and suspense. This story was a delightful PI M/M thriller that will leave you wanting more.
November 15, 2020
Crossroads, Book 1 : By Keta Diablo
Loved this story but too short would have been great if it was longer and I can't get any of the other books disappointing.
Loved this story but too short would have been great if it was longer and I can't get any of the other books disappointing.
February 28, 2010
For starters if you aren't into M/M romance this may not be your cup of tea. But if you are or if you a just starting to get into it then I do believe you will just love this little trilogy.
Frank is an ex-cop with a lot to hide, #1 is his emotions, #2 is his desire for the young Rand Brennan who just happens to be his dead partner's son and #3 would be that he can talk to the dead.
Pretty interesting mix if you ask me, which presents us with Book 1 in the Crossroads Trilogy, Crossroads. This is the opener and boy is it a kicker, Frank is torn up over a botched robbery that killed his partner Quinn, feeling guilt and loss and just trying to get to the end of the day so the next one can start is just the way he lives. That is until Rand comes back into his life. It was no secret that he was gay to his partner or his family, and being a young teen Rand looked up to Frank, with adoration and lust. Lots and lots of lust.
Staying away from Quinn's family was a must for him, he knew in his heart that Quinn all but gave him the thumbs up with it came to Rand and was accepting of his sexuality as well as his sons, but too many memories for Frank and he wanted to forget them all. Even if the guilt killed him. Now a PI Franks helps solves as many missing persons has he can handle but when a serial killer is on the loose and targeting young goth girls coupled with the fact that Rand has gone missing, Frank can no longer hide behind his feelings.
Making for one highly charged and erotic read, Frank in all his alpha male, I am the boss and what I say goes no questions asked attitude, finds Rand. And finding Rand means finding trouble because Rand seems to be in the thick of it. It doesn't hurt that Frank can't hold back takes Rand, literally and someone brutally at first. Not able to hold himself back from the man Rand has become he is overwhelmed. But danger and a killer is hot on their hills, Rand and Frank have in their possession the key to capturing the killer. A killer who now has Rand's sister and wants her dead.
With so many regrets, and so much time passed I wasn't sure these two would make it, not just a slight age difference but the fact that Frank was just so very alpha. That is my nice way of putting his was in no uncertain terms always in charge, his word was law. A little harsh towards Rand, but the love he had for him was always there, present in the way he touched him or the subtle niceties.
Franks gift to speak or see the dead only adds to the suspenseful storyline with a little paranormal aspect that will only keep you craving for more. And guess what? There are two more stories yet to come!!!! This first book is by far my second favorite, with book #3 coming in first place!
Frank is an ex-cop with a lot to hide, #1 is his emotions, #2 is his desire for the young Rand Brennan who just happens to be his dead partner's son and #3 would be that he can talk to the dead.
Pretty interesting mix if you ask me, which presents us with Book 1 in the Crossroads Trilogy, Crossroads. This is the opener and boy is it a kicker, Frank is torn up over a botched robbery that killed his partner Quinn, feeling guilt and loss and just trying to get to the end of the day so the next one can start is just the way he lives. That is until Rand comes back into his life. It was no secret that he was gay to his partner or his family, and being a young teen Rand looked up to Frank, with adoration and lust. Lots and lots of lust.
Staying away from Quinn's family was a must for him, he knew in his heart that Quinn all but gave him the thumbs up with it came to Rand and was accepting of his sexuality as well as his sons, but too many memories for Frank and he wanted to forget them all. Even if the guilt killed him. Now a PI Franks helps solves as many missing persons has he can handle but when a serial killer is on the loose and targeting young goth girls coupled with the fact that Rand has gone missing, Frank can no longer hide behind his feelings.
Making for one highly charged and erotic read, Frank in all his alpha male, I am the boss and what I say goes no questions asked attitude, finds Rand. And finding Rand means finding trouble because Rand seems to be in the thick of it. It doesn't hurt that Frank can't hold back takes Rand, literally and someone brutally at first. Not able to hold himself back from the man Rand has become he is overwhelmed. But danger and a killer is hot on their hills, Rand and Frank have in their possession the key to capturing the killer. A killer who now has Rand's sister and wants her dead.
With so many regrets, and so much time passed I wasn't sure these two would make it, not just a slight age difference but the fact that Frank was just so very alpha. That is my nice way of putting his was in no uncertain terms always in charge, his word was law. A little harsh towards Rand, but the love he had for him was always there, present in the way he touched him or the subtle niceties.
Franks gift to speak or see the dead only adds to the suspenseful storyline with a little paranormal aspect that will only keep you craving for more. And guess what? There are two more stories yet to come!!!! This first book is by far my second favorite, with book #3 coming in first place!
November 5, 2010
I dont know where to start with a review of the Crossroads series by Keta Diablo. How do I tell people that this is one of the best series I have ever read without sounding like a total fangirl? Well, I guess I dont because I am a total fan of Ms Diablo and her works. I will take a moment to brag here that I have an autographed copy of Crossroads and I cherish it. The Crossroads books have a favorite spot in my library, as they are some of the first mm romance books I ever read and became hooked, and they have been reread a dozen times or more.
I wont rehash the "blurb" as you have already read it. I will tell you that the characters are well written and "fleshed out". Their relationship is hot and loving. Frank knows that Rand needs certain things in life to make something of himself and he makes sure that Rand is cared for. There are some BDSM elements and a paranormal aspect but all of it fits with these two men. Suspense/thrillers are my absolute favorite reads and this series is suspenseful and thrilling and action packed all the way.
My advice to you is grab your copies of the whole series and then plan to stay up late reading! Enjoy!
I wont rehash the "blurb" as you have already read it. I will tell you that the characters are well written and "fleshed out". Their relationship is hot and loving. Frank knows that Rand needs certain things in life to make something of himself and he makes sure that Rand is cared for. There are some BDSM elements and a paranormal aspect but all of it fits with these two men. Suspense/thrillers are my absolute favorite reads and this series is suspenseful and thrilling and action packed all the way.
My advice to you is grab your copies of the whole series and then plan to stay up late reading! Enjoy!
January 14, 2013
Ex-cop turned P.I. Frank McGuire has two big secrets in his life. The first is his almost psychic ability and the second is, he is in love with the son of his dead partner. He puts the first to good use in his P.I. business and the second he stays as far away from as he possibly can, until Rand goes missing.
So much happens in the course of this book it's hard to believe it's only 50 pages. We have a serial killer, a missing son and an alcoholic ex-cop who is trying to deny his feelings. To say this story hits the ground running and never stops would be an understatement. There are a couple of intense sexual encounters that could be called questionable if that was all you read, but if you continue on with the series they will become less so. I myself had more of a problem with the son of a cop and an ex-cop seeming to have to no regard for gun safety.
Intense, graphic, and intriguing!
So much happens in the course of this book it's hard to believe it's only 50 pages. We have a serial killer, a missing son and an alcoholic ex-cop who is trying to deny his feelings. To say this story hits the ground running and never stops would be an understatement. There are a couple of intense sexual encounters that could be called questionable if that was all you read, but if you continue on with the series they will become less so. I myself had more of a problem with the son of a cop and an ex-cop seeming to have to no regard for gun safety.
Intense, graphic, and intriguing!
September 1, 2013
I stopped reading when it came to the first meeting of the MCs, after 5 years of no contact, and Frank raped Rand.
The situation was wrong on so many levels. Frank was a close friend of the family and has known Rand since childhood. He planned the sexual game(!) "to frighten the boy, so Rand came back home"(!!!). He was masked, used force and played on the young man fear and uncertainty.
I've read books with non-con scenes or even rape, but they were always within a context of a war, some extraordinary circumstances, fantasy or historical settings and so on. Frank reasoning was sick and no excuse for his action.
I didn't finish the sex scene so I don't know if he had any remorses, but I guess not.
The situation was wrong on so many levels. Frank was a close friend of the family and has known Rand since childhood. He planned the sexual game(!) "to frighten the boy, so Rand came back home"(!!!). He was masked, used force and played on the young man fear and uncertainty.
I've read books with non-con scenes or even rape, but they were always within a context of a war, some extraordinary circumstances, fantasy or historical settings and so on. Frank reasoning was sick and no excuse for his action.
I didn't finish the sex scene so I don't know if he had any remorses, but I guess not.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Did Not Finish
February 17, 2012SO horrible and disturbing I really could not finish it. If my mother hired someone to find me and that person I would probably kill them both. At the very least, in what is supposed to be a ...romance? I couldn't get past it and didn't want to.
January 11, 2010
So-so paranormal m/m about a cop turned private investigator who communicates with the dead when he meditates. Be warned that this book contains dub con - I'm not a fan, although it's totally an old school romance and yaoi trope.
September 15, 2014
It was entertaining and I really liked it apart from the beginning when Frank broke info Randy's place, that sort of stepped over thé line. Just to clarify, though, I am in no way hating on the author or criticizing her work, I'm merely saying that I didn't like what the character did.
September 5, 2010
Enjoyable story with a well-developed mystery and characters for such a short novel. Well worth the read.
October 17, 2011
Well written and interesting. More of a novella, with likeable characters. Characters should develop considerably in future works.
February 23, 2012
探偵と彼の昔の相棒（故人）の息子（チャラくておつむの軽そうな若者）の話。
相棒の息子をあんな簡単にヤってしまっていいのだろうか。。。
下手したらトラウマになりそうなヤリっぷり。
初めてであれはないんじゃないのかしらー。。。
息子が途中からノリノリとはいえ、海外スラには珍しくnon-conだった。
二回目も息子はある意味自分から煽って積極的だし。
THEやおいって感じ。
相棒の息子をあんな簡単にヤってしまっていいのだろうか。。。
下手したらトラウマになりそうなヤリっぷり。
初めてであれはないんじゃないのかしらー。。。
息子が途中からノリノリとはいえ、海外スラには珍しくnon-conだった。
二回目も息子はある意味自分から煽って積極的だし。
THEやおいって感じ。
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
March 17, 2013
Full review of the complete series is posted here: http://guiltyindulgencebookclub.blogs...
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