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Private Dicks/Sanctuary #1
Private Dicks
Ex-cop Isaac Rhodes is a tough and intimidating private investigator with a talent for kicking in doors and knocking bail jumpers' heads together. His only soft spot is for his partner, Nate Washington—though Wash makes him anything but soft. He's silently lusted after Wash for a year, until his desire drives him to finally come out to his partner.This confession leads to Wash admitting a few secrets of his own, unleashing needs that result in hot, sweaty, sexy, man-on-man intimacy. Rhodes is elated—until Wash admits he's unsure if he's willing to endure the often prejudice-filled life of an outed gay man. Crushed, Rhodes backs off. But one missing child case—and a gun to Wash's head—convinces Rhodes to do whatever it takes to get his man.
202 pages, Kindle Edition
First published April 24, 2009
32 people are currently reading
976 people want to read
About the author
Katie Allen
29 books279 followersKatie Allen is the fabulously filthy-minded alter-ego of romantic-suspense author Katie Ruggle. She lived in an off-grid, solar- and wind-powered house in the Rocky Mountains until her family lured her back to Minnesota. When she’s not writing, Katie rides horses, trains her three dogs, cross-country skis (badly), and travels to warm places where she can scuba dive. A graduate of the police academy, Katie is a self-professed forensics nerd. A fan of anything that makes her feel like a badass, she has trained in Krav Maga, boxing, and gymnastics. You can connect with Katie at http://katieruggle.com/, https://www.facebook.com/katieruggleb..., or on Twitter @KatieRuggle
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 125 reviews
March 9, 2014
Dafuq don't I hate this?
Despite the horribly corny characters, comically inaccurate setting, and painfully cliche plot—I find myself unable to rate this less than three stars. I figure it's because the first third was almost unbelievably hot.
Seriously.
Like, nipple-nubblingly, rectum-spasmingly, genital-swellingly hawwwwwt.
Outstanding.
Despite the horribly corny characters, comically inaccurate setting, and painfully cliche plot—I find myself unable to rate this less than three stars. I figure it's because the first third was almost unbelievably hot.
Seriously.
Like, nipple-nubblingly, rectum-spasmingly, genital-swellingly hawwwwwt.
Outstanding.
June 13, 2012
4.5 stars
A great friendship/partnership here, Rhodes and Wash's wisecracking investigative skills were hilarious and always entertaining. Riveting detective work its really good and captured my interest straight away we need more of this in m/m romance books. Total hotness loved the relationship and the wonderful smouldering passion. Yep I am in love with this couple!
A great friendship/partnership here, Rhodes and Wash's wisecracking investigative skills were hilarious and always entertaining. Riveting detective work its really good and captured my interest straight away we need more of this in m/m romance books. Total hotness loved the relationship and the wonderful smouldering passion. Yep I am in love with this couple!
October 29, 2017
4 Stars
OMG the plot was almost ridiculous but I don't even care. This book was hella hot, had some great romance, and made me laugh. Damn, Wash was funny.
Major props for pointing out the way some people will put a massive/complicated lock on the door to a private room but won't think to reinforce the walls - so that breaking in is as easy as sawing through some drywall. LOL! Brilliant.
Also, I kinda loved that, even though there were heavy feelings involved, these guys didn't act neutered. They were still very cognizant of how hot someone else was, and attracted to them...choosing not to act on that lust.
Definitely going to read the next one, and I hope it's as good as the first.
OMG the plot was almost ridiculous but I don't even care. This book was hella hot, had some great romance, and made me laugh. Damn, Wash was funny.
Major props for pointing out the way some people will put a massive/complicated lock on the door to a private room but won't think to reinforce the walls - so that breaking in is as easy as sawing through some drywall. LOL! Brilliant.
Also, I kinda loved that, even though there were heavy feelings involved, these guys didn't act neutered. They were still very cognizant of how hot someone else was, and attracted to them...choosing not to act on that lust.
Definitely going to read the next one, and I hope it's as good as the first.
May 20, 2012
I love cop stories. This has an ex-cop turned Private Investigator Issac Rhodes and his boss/partner P.I. Nate Washington.
This is horrible but I put off reading this one because of the cheesy title. I know, play on words, but it just made me roll my eyes a bit. My desire to read all the cop stories I can find drove me to finally dive in and I smacked myself for waiting so long to read this, because it was so good! If, like me, the title is holding you back from reading this book I have you tell you that you're missing a little gem here.
If you like a story with a lot of banter this is for you. The dialogue is so clever and funny. Rhodie and Wash are best friends that have a great working relationship, just add sex and they're an unstoppable pair. The sex scenes in this are really hot and fun as well.
It's a fast read but it never feels rushed. The storyline moves quickly as they try to solve a time sensitive case but it's never cheated as these guys come to terms with being more than just best friends in the midst of everything. Some great, fleshed out secondary characters that really made me wish this was a longer story. I just wanted to read more banter between all the characters. So fun and funny.
If you like tough guys, clever dialogue, hot sex and tight writing read this book. I liked it a lot. There's also a second book in the series where Rhodie and Wash show up which I'm off to read next. I can't get enough of these guys.
This is horrible but I put off reading this one because of the cheesy title. I know, play on words, but it just made me roll my eyes a bit. My desire to read all the cop stories I can find drove me to finally dive in and I smacked myself for waiting so long to read this, because it was so good! If, like me, the title is holding you back from reading this book I have you tell you that you're missing a little gem here.
If you like a story with a lot of banter this is for you. The dialogue is so clever and funny. Rhodie and Wash are best friends that have a great working relationship, just add sex and they're an unstoppable pair. The sex scenes in this are really hot and fun as well.
It's a fast read but it never feels rushed. The storyline moves quickly as they try to solve a time sensitive case but it's never cheated as these guys come to terms with being more than just best friends in the midst of everything. Some great, fleshed out secondary characters that really made me wish this was a longer story. I just wanted to read more banter between all the characters. So fun and funny.
If you like tough guys, clever dialogue, hot sex and tight writing read this book. I liked it a lot. There's also a second book in the series where Rhodie and Wash show up which I'm off to read next. I can't get enough of these guys.
June 16, 2012
I really liked this story. The length and theme was pretty great. It was lightly angsty without going into overly dramatic. You could feel Rhodes longing for his partner Wash. My only gripe with Wash was that he got too chatty at times. There was a scene where I did not feel he needed to explain himself or his partner who is gay to a bigoted cop. I did not think the story was bombarded with too many sex scenes as some other readers complained about. I actually thought they fit with the story. Also, it's an Ellora's Cave story, what did you expect to have in the story an scavenger hunt for jellybeans?
I really liked this story a lot. I would definitely read # 2 in the series.
I really liked this story a lot. I would definitely read # 2 in the series.
February 23, 2014
I'm in love with Rhodes and Wash! Loved this story!
Isaac Rhodes a.k.a. Rhodie, is an ex-cop, he's hot, tough, intimidating and is now a Private investigator. He's a sexy rough machine with a soft spot for kids in bad situations and his straight parter Nate Washington. He has been lusting after Wash for a year now and doesn't know what to do about it, till he outs himself, takes a case for free to find a kidnapped 14year old boy and goes to a gay club with Wash. Well, let's just say this story is anything BUT boring.
This was a great story, I felt completely invested in the characters and the case they were trying to solve. It was funny and sexy and sweet and totally heartbreaking at times.
Rhodes' need for Wash is so strong it gets to you, his longing for something more and that happening with Wash is totally sweet and cute and I just love him, giant man but a big old softy.
“We’ll talk about this later then.”
Later. Maybe then Rhodes would be able to breathe again. Maybe later, the roaring
in his ears would quiet down and his hands would stop shaking. Maybe then he
wouldn’t be able to actually feel his heart tearing in two.
Wash talks and flirts to damn much for his own good, but it works for them, it's who he is and their team wouldn't be so great is they didn't compliment each other so perfectly. He scared too, being kinda bi makes him rethink being with Rhodes, he's scared of having to go through the repercussions of being gay and wonders if it would be better to just go back to being straight and having no worries in life, even if it costs him his best friend.
"Im going with the dicks. Well,” he made a face,
“one dick, I mean. My own private dick.
Start off slow, you know, and then build up to the orgies.”
The plot was good, I felt intrigued by their method of work, I was actually annoyed at times but their plan kinda work and that was good enough for me. Carlitos is so cute! And Trevor is a GREAT secondary character, I really liked him and I can't wait to start reading his book!
Recommend it 100%!!
Isaac Rhodes a.k.a. Rhodie, is an ex-cop, he's hot, tough, intimidating and is now a Private investigator. He's a sexy rough machine with a soft spot for kids in bad situations and his straight parter Nate Washington. He has been lusting after Wash for a year now and doesn't know what to do about it, till he outs himself, takes a case for free to find a kidnapped 14year old boy and goes to a gay club with Wash. Well, let's just say this story is anything BUT boring.
This was a great story, I felt completely invested in the characters and the case they were trying to solve. It was funny and sexy and sweet and totally heartbreaking at times.
Rhodes' need for Wash is so strong it gets to you, his longing for something more and that happening with Wash is totally sweet and cute and I just love him, giant man but a big old softy.
“We’ll talk about this later then.”
Later. Maybe then Rhodes would be able to breathe again. Maybe later, the roaring
in his ears would quiet down and his hands would stop shaking. Maybe then he
wouldn’t be able to actually feel his heart tearing in two.
Wash talks and flirts to damn much for his own good, but it works for them, it's who he is and their team wouldn't be so great is they didn't compliment each other so perfectly. He scared too, being kinda bi makes him rethink being with Rhodes, he's scared of having to go through the repercussions of being gay and wonders if it would be better to just go back to being straight and having no worries in life, even if it costs him his best friend.
"Im going with the dicks. Well,” he made a face,
“one dick, I mean. My own private dick.
Start off slow, you know, and then build up to the orgies.”
The plot was good, I felt intrigued by their method of work, I was actually annoyed at times but their plan kinda work and that was good enough for me. Carlitos is so cute! And Trevor is a GREAT secondary character, I really liked him and I can't wait to start reading his book!
Recommend it 100%!!
October 24, 2010
3.5 stars
The story -- and the characters are pretty amusing; I love the part when Rhodie and Wash go to the gay club as part of their investigation of a kidnapped teenager. I like their banters too. BUT, towards the end, I sort of losing interest. I don't know, maybe it has something to do with Wash's reaction towards their getting together ... he says he needs time but at the same time it seems like it only words and they just jump the sheet again. After reading that for like 3-4 times, I start to get annoyed. The ending is pretty cute though, how the two of them sort of taking the other three secondary characters into their agency.
The story -- and the characters are pretty amusing; I love the part when Rhodie and Wash go to the gay club as part of their investigation of a kidnapped teenager. I like their banters too. BUT, towards the end, I sort of losing interest. I don't know, maybe it has something to do with Wash's reaction towards their getting together ... he says he needs time but at the same time it seems like it only words and they just jump the sheet again. After reading that for like 3-4 times, I start to get annoyed. The ending is pretty cute though, how the two of them sort of taking the other three secondary characters into their agency.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
September 30, 2013
Interesting, hot and funny... I loved it!
November 20, 2011
4.5 stars. Very good m/m romantic suspense about a former cop, now working as a PI, who finally comes out to his straight investigative partner. There's just something about Rhodes and Wash - this is the third fourth time I've read the book. :)
July 3, 2012
Private Dicks by Katie Allen
Book Blurb: Ex-cop Isaac Rhodes is a tough and intimidating private investigator with a talent for kicking in doors and knocking bail jumpers' heads together. His only soft spot is for his partner, Nate Washington-though Wash makes him anything but soft. He's silently lusted after Wash for a year, until his desire drives him to finally come out to his partner. This confession leads to Wash admitting a few secrets of his own, unleashing needs that result in hot, sweaty, sexy, man-on-man intimacy. Rhodes is elated...until Wash admits he's unsure if he's willing to endure the often prejudice-filled life of an outed gay man. Crushed, Rhodes backs off. But one missing child case-and a gun to Wash's head-convinces Rhodes to do whatever it takes to get his man.
I really don’t feel comfortable writing a negative review. I admire people who write and are brave and lucky enough to have it published. Private Dicks by Katie Allen was recommended and after seeing so many positive reviews I decided to read it.
I have just discovered m/m genre and have so far read a few amazing books but somehow this book did nothing for me. The storyline was promising but halfway through the book I lost interest. Something was missing for me…..
I thought it was a romance/thriller but I just couldn’t see the romance part…yes the sex parts were there…in fact I found myself skipping many of those scenes and at times became really irritated when the two p.i’s are busy working, they suddenly pull their clothes off and start doing, all heaving and heavy breathing….and I wondered what this sex scene had to do with the story. It really annoyed me. Plus the sex scenes were really not my thing….more hard pumping, swearing, sweating…where is the romance here I said. I could not connect with Rhodes & Wash – some things were just a bit OTT…I mean, Wash, supposedly a alpha male, who is totally into women and has worked with his partner, Rhodes, who is gay and has had a crush on Wash for a long time…..however he hides the gay and love part so well that Wash is STUNNED when Rhodes finally comes out. He can’t believe it!!!!
The dialogue is pretty good and funny at times…
“You're gay," wash stated.
Rhodes nodded, a short jerk of his head, dropping his gaze to his beer.
"As in, you-like-men gay."
Still eying his beer, Rhodes gave an affirmative shrug.
"As in, you like-to-fuck-men gay."
"Yes!”
What does this guy do that he can hide something like that SO WELL and for so long????? And then, suddenly Wash realizes that he’s actually gay..or maybe bi?? No, he goes totally off women and it’s just Rhodie…these two alpha males go from macho to limp in a matter of minutes!!!!!!!!!! Every second is spent doing each other….and geez for a straight man, Wash certainly learns quickly how to do it with a man!!!!!!! I would have liked to see their relationship going slowly as they get to know each other…Instead, voila…..!!!!
And the whole Rhodie & Trevor thing!!!!!!! Just didn’t interest me…the sexual connection seemed forced in some way….what did it have to do with the whole story I thought to myself???
I did like the author’s writing style and some of the scenes were pretty fun. It’s not a terrible story, just never got me into it. I did struggle to finish the book but I am going to read the next book in the series Hide Out.
Book Blurb: Ex-cop Isaac Rhodes is a tough and intimidating private investigator with a talent for kicking in doors and knocking bail jumpers' heads together. His only soft spot is for his partner, Nate Washington-though Wash makes him anything but soft. He's silently lusted after Wash for a year, until his desire drives him to finally come out to his partner. This confession leads to Wash admitting a few secrets of his own, unleashing needs that result in hot, sweaty, sexy, man-on-man intimacy. Rhodes is elated...until Wash admits he's unsure if he's willing to endure the often prejudice-filled life of an outed gay man. Crushed, Rhodes backs off. But one missing child case-and a gun to Wash's head-convinces Rhodes to do whatever it takes to get his man.
I really don’t feel comfortable writing a negative review. I admire people who write and are brave and lucky enough to have it published. Private Dicks by Katie Allen was recommended and after seeing so many positive reviews I decided to read it.
I have just discovered m/m genre and have so far read a few amazing books but somehow this book did nothing for me. The storyline was promising but halfway through the book I lost interest. Something was missing for me…..
I thought it was a romance/thriller but I just couldn’t see the romance part…yes the sex parts were there…in fact I found myself skipping many of those scenes and at times became really irritated when the two p.i’s are busy working, they suddenly pull their clothes off and start doing, all heaving and heavy breathing….and I wondered what this sex scene had to do with the story. It really annoyed me. Plus the sex scenes were really not my thing….more hard pumping, swearing, sweating…where is the romance here I said. I could not connect with Rhodes & Wash – some things were just a bit OTT…I mean, Wash, supposedly a alpha male, who is totally into women and has worked with his partner, Rhodes, who is gay and has had a crush on Wash for a long time…..however he hides the gay and love part so well that Wash is STUNNED when Rhodes finally comes out. He can’t believe it!!!!
The dialogue is pretty good and funny at times…
“You're gay," wash stated.
Rhodes nodded, a short jerk of his head, dropping his gaze to his beer.
"As in, you-like-men gay."
Still eying his beer, Rhodes gave an affirmative shrug.
"As in, you like-to-fuck-men gay."
"Yes!”
What does this guy do that he can hide something like that SO WELL and for so long????? And then, suddenly Wash realizes that he’s actually gay..or maybe bi?? No, he goes totally off women and it’s just Rhodie…these two alpha males go from macho to limp in a matter of minutes!!!!!!!!!! Every second is spent doing each other….and geez for a straight man, Wash certainly learns quickly how to do it with a man!!!!!!! I would have liked to see their relationship going slowly as they get to know each other…Instead, voila…..!!!!
And the whole Rhodie & Trevor thing!!!!!!! Just didn’t interest me…the sexual connection seemed forced in some way….what did it have to do with the whole story I thought to myself???
I did like the author’s writing style and some of the scenes were pretty fun. It’s not a terrible story, just never got me into it. I did struggle to finish the book but I am going to read the next book in the series Hide Out.
August 22, 2011
Marvelous book!
I liked the characters alot, Rhodes' my favotite, but Wash's a close second :) Loved their friendly bickering and their easy joking and loved the raw relationship they've began to develop! The detective part of the story's captivating too.
I also liked, that it wasn't strictly 'gay-for-you' (cliche, which I find hard to believe), but the whole thing with Wash's sexuality was done very convincing.
There wasn't a lot of sex, but in this case it seemed like a right amount and it's well written and hot as hell ;)
Now I'm off to read the sequel!
I liked the characters alot, Rhodes' my favotite, but Wash's a close second :) Loved their friendly bickering and their easy joking and loved the raw relationship they've began to develop! The detective part of the story's captivating too.
I also liked, that it wasn't strictly 'gay-for-you' (cliche, which I find hard to believe), but the whole thing with Wash's sexuality was done very convincing.
There wasn't a lot of sex, but in this case it seemed like a right amount and it's well written and hot as hell ;)
Now I'm off to read the sequel!
March 15, 2010
Had this on my tbr pile for so long I can't even remember what prompted me to get it back in the mists of time. Absolutely loved it. The two main characters were warm, funny and frustratingly real - it's a real feel-good read. The end was a little saccharin for my tastes but I can live with that.
Off to check out more of Ms Allen's books.
Off to check out more of Ms Allen's books.
February 21, 2011
uh it was ok glad it was short
October 10, 2016
I think my final rating is 3.49, which means I ended up giving it 3 stars.
So Isaac was a cop, until a situation where he shot a perp, got him kicked out of the force. He was recruited by Nate for Nate's PI-firm and they have been working together for a while.
The shooting was not the only reason Isaac was kicked of the force, he had also been outed as a gay man, and that may have been an influencing factor.
Isaac has been lusting after Nate for quite some time, but he hasn't told Nate about his feelings. However when they are approached by a young boy, whose brother has gone missing, things change. Isaac is outed to Nate, and Nate has some secrets of his own that come to light.
While they are looking for the brother, they inadvertently recruit Trevor, and they are suddenly in the midst of a child trafficking-ring.
While this story had great dialogue (it was really funny at times), it annoyed me that Nate was so... Back-and-forth in regards to Isaac.
Nate wasn't ready to be with Isaac, but Trevor sure as shit, couldn't have him either.
And I was sort of numb to the smexy-times in the end, which was also annoying in regards to the back-and-forth. Like FUCKING stop sleeping with him, if you don't want him.
The smex WAS hot, but at the end it didn't feel like it served a purpose anymore, and I get that it was Ellora's Cave, but still...
All in all a fun, entertaining read with MAX. focus on smex and not so much on the mystery. But it wasn't a bad book at all.
So Isaac was a cop, until a situation where he shot a perp, got him kicked out of the force. He was recruited by Nate for Nate's PI-firm and they have been working together for a while.
The shooting was not the only reason Isaac was kicked of the force, he had also been outed as a gay man, and that may have been an influencing factor.
Isaac has been lusting after Nate for quite some time, but he hasn't told Nate about his feelings. However when they are approached by a young boy, whose brother has gone missing, things change. Isaac is outed to Nate, and Nate has some secrets of his own that come to light.
While they are looking for the brother, they inadvertently recruit Trevor, and they are suddenly in the midst of a child trafficking-ring.
While this story had great dialogue (it was really funny at times), it annoyed me that Nate was so... Back-and-forth in regards to Isaac.
Nate wasn't ready to be with Isaac, but Trevor sure as shit, couldn't have him either.
And I was sort of numb to the smexy-times in the end, which was also annoying in regards to the back-and-forth. Like FUCKING stop sleeping with him, if you don't want him.
The smex WAS hot, but at the end it didn't feel like it served a purpose anymore, and I get that it was Ellora's Cave, but still...
All in all a fun, entertaining read with MAX. focus on smex and not so much on the mystery. But it wasn't a bad book at all.
October 20, 2012
Reviewed on Hearts On Fire... http://heartsonfirereviews.com/
I loved this fun mystery story and it's wise cracking detectives. Isaac Rhodes is an ex-cop who was pretty much kicked off the force for being gay. He and Nate Washington now have their own private investigation firm. A teenage boy stops into their offices one day and asks them to find his missing brother. Being soft touches to a poor kid, they agree to take the case pro bono. Detective Gomez asks Rhodes and Wash to quietly dig into a case of hers concerning a missing girl. The two cases dovetail but when Rhodes comes out to Wash much more than the cases dovetail. Rhodes has been lusting after his "straight" boss but has been afraid to make a move until Wash opens up and admits his probable bisexuality and his feelings toward Rhodes. I absolutely loved the easy going teasing and bickering between Rhodes and Wash. Their fun relationship is what really made the story for me and the hot action under the sheets was just icing on the cake. Detective Gomez was perfect and my personal favorite character. Any woman that can string the cuss words together like she did and put up with Wash's often warped sense of humor has my devotion. The mystery was really more of a sub-plot but was interesting as a backdrop to develop the growing love between the two detectives. The story was a fast read and well written in a style that kept me flipping the pages. The HEA ending was skillfully pulled together by Ms Allen who left no loose strings even thought this is the first book in a series. This story can easily be read as a stand alone and will leave the reader chuckling right up until the end.
I loved this fun mystery story and it's wise cracking detectives. Isaac Rhodes is an ex-cop who was pretty much kicked off the force for being gay. He and Nate Washington now have their own private investigation firm. A teenage boy stops into their offices one day and asks them to find his missing brother. Being soft touches to a poor kid, they agree to take the case pro bono. Detective Gomez asks Rhodes and Wash to quietly dig into a case of hers concerning a missing girl. The two cases dovetail but when Rhodes comes out to Wash much more than the cases dovetail. Rhodes has been lusting after his "straight" boss but has been afraid to make a move until Wash opens up and admits his probable bisexuality and his feelings toward Rhodes. I absolutely loved the easy going teasing and bickering between Rhodes and Wash. Their fun relationship is what really made the story for me and the hot action under the sheets was just icing on the cake. Detective Gomez was perfect and my personal favorite character. Any woman that can string the cuss words together like she did and put up with Wash's often warped sense of humor has my devotion. The mystery was really more of a sub-plot but was interesting as a backdrop to develop the growing love between the two detectives. The story was a fast read and well written in a style that kept me flipping the pages. The HEA ending was skillfully pulled together by Ms Allen who left no loose strings even thought this is the first book in a series. This story can easily be read as a stand alone and will leave the reader chuckling right up until the end.
October 16, 2010
I'm not really sure about this one. There's nothing wrong with it, and, God knows I love every category I'd put this one in. There's nothing off about the writing style, the dialog is pretty good, likable characters...I should've really loved it but I didn't. It just didn't grab me. There are places where the plot gets a little over the top with the case they're working on, but other than that, it's pretty well written. I do like the characters enough to give a sequel a read and I'd try this author out a couple more times.
April 16, 2012
This was a hot, sometimes steamy, story about Rhodes and Washington, who run a PI business together. They come out to each other, discover their mutual feelings, fight the attraction, not wanting to ruin their current working partnership, fight, pick on each other and have hot sex, all while working and somewhat going undercover to locate a missing boy they suspect is being sold into sexual slavery. The guys are funny, sexy and sweet, and I enjoyed this story from beginning to end.
May 13, 2020
Love it. LOVE. IT. Smart, funny, romantic, dangerous. One of my absolute favourites. Re-read more than once.
December 6, 2012
4.5 stars.
Why I read it: There was a sale at ARe and there was my wishlist. Goodreads recommendations are bad for my wallet. Enough said.
What it's about: (from Goodreads) Ex-cop Isaac Rhodes is a tough and intimidating private investigator with a talent for kicking in doors and knocking bail jumpers' heads together. His only soft spot is for his partner, Nate Washington—though Wash makes him anything but soft. He's silently lusted after Wash for a year, until his desire drives him to finally come out to his partner.
This confession leads to Wash admitting a few secrets of his own, unleashing needs that result in hot, sweaty, sexy, man-on-man intimacy. Rhodes is elated...until Wash admits he's unsure if he's willing to endure the often prejudice-filled life of an outed gay man. Crushed, Rhodes backs off. But one missing child—and a gun to Wash's head—convinces Rhodes to do whatever it takes to get his man.
What worked for me (and what didn't): In terms of the mix between romance and suspense and making the two work and play off each other, this book was pretty much perfect. Loads of romance and connection and fun. The suspense plot was believably intertwined with the romance and the two leads didn't try and have sex when bullets were flying. Because Wash and Rhodes have been working together for about a year when the book starts, the speed of the developing romance works - they have an established relationship which becomes more than friendly. And, having to go undercover in a gay club helps get them thinking in the right direction.
And, did I mention it was funny?
“I’ve never seen so much leather,” Wash muttered.
Rhodes smirked at him. “Just wait ’til we get inside.”
“It gets worse?”
“Better, Wash,” Rhodes corrected as the bouncer unclipped the rope to let them through. “The word is ‘better’.”
Wash made me laugh a lot. Especially when Rhodes was baffled his "incomprehensible hand signals" - you know, those ones you see on the TV all the time and no-one knows what they mean? Well, Rhodes, who used to be a real cop, doesn't know either. But Wash makes the signals and Rhodes goes along.
The chemistry between these two was apparent in every interaction but the conflict - whether Wash wants to deal with being out (he's bisexual so he could be happy with a woman and have the occasional gay hook-up on the downlow) is believable enough. Although, now that I think about it, Wash never suggested he might need to have the occasional hook up with a woman... I digress).
Wash, even though he is a walking hard-on around Rhodes, asks for time to decide:
Wash looked at him with what appeared to be disappointment. “You’re not going to talk me into it?”
“You are a fucking teenaged girl,” Rhodes growled, pushing himself up from the couch. “Go home. If I don’t get to fuck anyone, I’m going for a run.”
“Fine,” Wash huffed, standing up. “But I’m going to write ‘Rhodes is an asshole’ in my diary like a hundred times.”
See what I mean about funny?
The suspense story involved sex trafficking which is obviously something very serious, but the humour doesn't intrude on that. Rather, it lightens what could otherwise be a very heavy storyline. Both Rhodie and Wash take the safet of kids very seriously.
Rhodes even tries to make Wash clean up his potty mouth around their teenaged client.
Wash snorted. “Why would you think we’d do anything just to make you feel better? Ask Gonzo—he’ll tell you that we’re just a couple of assholes.”
Rhodes shot him a look and Wash made a face. “Sorry. Suppose I shouldn’t swear around a kid. Okay, so we’re a couple…” Trailing off, he glanced helplessly at Rhodes. “What’s another word for asshole?”
Rhodes just closed his eyes with a sigh.
What else? I enjoyed this book from start to finish. At just under 150 pages, it wasn't super long, but it did everything it needed to so I thought the length was just perfect for the story actually. It is pricey, so get it when it's on special somewhere. But - get it.
Grade: A-
http://kaetrinsmusings.blogspot.com.a...
Why I read it: There was a sale at ARe and there was my wishlist. Goodreads recommendations are bad for my wallet. Enough said.
What it's about: (from Goodreads) Ex-cop Isaac Rhodes is a tough and intimidating private investigator with a talent for kicking in doors and knocking bail jumpers' heads together. His only soft spot is for his partner, Nate Washington—though Wash makes him anything but soft. He's silently lusted after Wash for a year, until his desire drives him to finally come out to his partner.
This confession leads to Wash admitting a few secrets of his own, unleashing needs that result in hot, sweaty, sexy, man-on-man intimacy. Rhodes is elated...until Wash admits he's unsure if he's willing to endure the often prejudice-filled life of an outed gay man. Crushed, Rhodes backs off. But one missing child—and a gun to Wash's head—convinces Rhodes to do whatever it takes to get his man.
What worked for me (and what didn't): In terms of the mix between romance and suspense and making the two work and play off each other, this book was pretty much perfect. Loads of romance and connection and fun. The suspense plot was believably intertwined with the romance and the two leads didn't try and have sex when bullets were flying. Because Wash and Rhodes have been working together for about a year when the book starts, the speed of the developing romance works - they have an established relationship which becomes more than friendly. And, having to go undercover in a gay club helps get them thinking in the right direction.
And, did I mention it was funny?
“I’ve never seen so much leather,” Wash muttered.
Rhodes smirked at him. “Just wait ’til we get inside.”
“It gets worse?”
“Better, Wash,” Rhodes corrected as the bouncer unclipped the rope to let them through. “The word is ‘better’.”
Wash made me laugh a lot. Especially when Rhodes was baffled his "incomprehensible hand signals" - you know, those ones you see on the TV all the time and no-one knows what they mean? Well, Rhodes, who used to be a real cop, doesn't know either. But Wash makes the signals and Rhodes goes along.
The chemistry between these two was apparent in every interaction but the conflict - whether Wash wants to deal with being out (he's bisexual so he could be happy with a woman and have the occasional gay hook-up on the downlow) is believable enough. Although, now that I think about it, Wash never suggested he might need to have the occasional hook up with a woman... I digress).
Wash, even though he is a walking hard-on around Rhodes, asks for time to decide:
Wash looked at him with what appeared to be disappointment. “You’re not going to talk me into it?”
“You are a fucking teenaged girl,” Rhodes growled, pushing himself up from the couch. “Go home. If I don’t get to fuck anyone, I’m going for a run.”
“Fine,” Wash huffed, standing up. “But I’m going to write ‘Rhodes is an asshole’ in my diary like a hundred times.”
See what I mean about funny?
The suspense story involved sex trafficking which is obviously something very serious, but the humour doesn't intrude on that. Rather, it lightens what could otherwise be a very heavy storyline. Both Rhodie and Wash take the safet of kids very seriously.
Rhodes even tries to make Wash clean up his potty mouth around their teenaged client.
Wash snorted. “Why would you think we’d do anything just to make you feel better? Ask Gonzo—he’ll tell you that we’re just a couple of assholes.”
Rhodes shot him a look and Wash made a face. “Sorry. Suppose I shouldn’t swear around a kid. Okay, so we’re a couple…” Trailing off, he glanced helplessly at Rhodes. “What’s another word for asshole?”
Rhodes just closed his eyes with a sigh.
What else? I enjoyed this book from start to finish. At just under 150 pages, it wasn't super long, but it did everything it needed to so I thought the length was just perfect for the story actually. It is pricey, so get it when it's on special somewhere. But - get it.
Grade: A-
http://kaetrinsmusings.blogspot.com.a...
October 3, 2015
I'm not sure how to rate this one. It was well written. The relationships were fine. I loved the characters. The plot wasn't original but it was interesting. There was some creativity working with the plot. It was very sweet. But that's really all I came away with. That it was sweet. There wasn't a whole lot more there.
I felt a lot of discomfort around how the MCs intereacted and where Trevor played into it. It was probably moderately realistic in many ways, but it still was awkward for me and I didn't like it. I don't know how to explain it. I just wanted Rhodes reaction in particular to be different.
One thing that I thought was weird is that they thought the emotional connection with sexual intimacy just short of intercourse wouldn't count as emotional and intercourse would. That just was weird. I don't understand that it would be different enough to matter.
A couple other things:
There was this weird point where one of them said his feelings but the other didn't really notice and then felt weird saying how he felt.
There were two points at which the bathroom was empty at a gay glub. Um, no. Not in any club, but certainly not a gay one. I don't mean to stereotype, but according to the men I've asked, it's true.
I really, really wanted more danger. I kept expecting something big but I was constantly disappointed. Definitely no hospital scenes here. :)
So 3.5 stars rounded up because it was very sweet and well edited.
I felt a lot of discomfort around how the MCs intereacted and where Trevor played into it. It was probably moderately realistic in many ways, but it still was awkward for me and I didn't like it. I don't know how to explain it. I just wanted Rhodes reaction in particular to be different.
One thing that I thought was weird is that they thought the emotional connection with sexual intimacy just short of intercourse wouldn't count as emotional and intercourse would. That just was weird. I don't understand that it would be different enough to matter.
A couple other things:
There was this weird point where one of them said his feelings but the other didn't really notice and then felt weird saying how he felt.
There were two points at which the bathroom was empty at a gay glub. Um, no. Not in any club, but certainly not a gay one. I don't mean to stereotype, but according to the men I've asked, it's true.
I really, really wanted more danger. I kept expecting something big but I was constantly disappointed. Definitely no hospital scenes here. :)
So 3.5 stars rounded up because it was very sweet and well edited.
May 7, 2009
3 1/2 stars.
Enjoyed this somewhat except towards the latter part, the villain suddenly became caricaturish. I was expecting there to be a more long drawn-out tussle over Wash's fear of the repercussions and consequences of coming out but whatever anxieties he had were shortlived. I'm not sure if I'm relieved or feel the author merely gave lip-service to Wash's fear.
I also felt Rhodes was being overly-sensitive and his backing off unjustified especially when Wash made no bones about being attracted to him. Or it could be just the way it was written. I've read other similar stories where the guy's withdrawal was subtly done so that as a reader I could still enjoy the overall story without getting distracted into scolding the character yet being made aware of his state of mind. When it's done that way, my senses are, in fact, heightened and I begin to care for that character, to feel protective. Here, Rhodes' skittish behavior felt over-written.
Enjoyed this somewhat except towards the latter part, the villain suddenly became caricaturish. I was expecting there to be a more long drawn-out tussle over Wash's fear of the repercussions and consequences of coming out but whatever anxieties he had were shortlived. I'm not sure if I'm relieved or feel the author merely gave lip-service to Wash's fear.
I also felt Rhodes was being overly-sensitive and his backing off unjustified especially when Wash made no bones about being attracted to him. Or it could be just the way it was written. I've read other similar stories where the guy's withdrawal was subtly done so that as a reader I could still enjoy the overall story without getting distracted into scolding the character yet being made aware of his state of mind. When it's done that way, my senses are, in fact, heightened and I begin to care for that character, to feel protective. Here, Rhodes' skittish behavior felt over-written.
June 1, 2013
4.5 Stars
I absolutely LOVED this book! I loved the partnership/friendship between Rhodie and Wash. I would have liked to have seen more of that--like how it started.
I loved how Rhodie came out to Wash. I loved how tentative Wash was at first, because he's right...sex "fucks up everything". I could totally see his side of things and could not fault him.
The two of them together...EXPLOSIVE!
This book was exactly what I needed and it rocked my socks off. It was funny, thrilling, HOT!, and all around a great book. So much so that I am tearing in the 2nd book :) I want more Trevor! I need to see what his deal is.
I absolutely LOVED this book! I loved the partnership/friendship between Rhodie and Wash. I would have liked to have seen more of that--like how it started.
I loved how Rhodie came out to Wash. I loved how tentative Wash was at first, because he's right...sex "fucks up everything". I could totally see his side of things and could not fault him.
The two of them together...EXPLOSIVE!
This book was exactly what I needed and it rocked my socks off. It was funny, thrilling, HOT!, and all around a great book. So much so that I am tearing in the 2nd book :) I want more Trevor! I need to see what his deal is.
March 10, 2014
3.0 Stars
Rhodes and Wash. Jeez but these guys gave me grief. And not in a my-emo-is-doing-a-happy-dance sorta way. The problem IMO was Wash's I'm-gay-for-you-but-I-will-be-a-total-jerk-off-about-it 'tude. His hot-cold/push-pull/jealous-GTFO gave me whiplash. Seriously. And, Rhodes kept coming back for more.
Bottom line: Wash's vacillation gave me rash.
Lesson learned: too many GFY stories in one weekend makes Daisy grouchy.
Rhodes and Wash. Jeez but these guys gave me grief. And not in a my-emo-is-doing-a-happy-dance sorta way. The problem IMO was Wash's I'm-gay-for-you-but-I-will-be-a-total-jerk-off-about-it 'tude. His hot-cold/push-pull/jealous-GTFO gave me whiplash. Seriously. And, Rhodes kept coming back for more.
Bottom line: Wash's vacillation gave me rash.
Lesson learned: too many GFY stories in one weekend makes Daisy grouchy.
January 1, 2011
Lent to me through Kindle.
More like 3.5 - 3.7 stars
This was great fun - how can you not love Rhodes and Wash? Rhodes the tough ex-cop and his smart mouth partner. They are both private detectives who end up on a case of kid selling. So really good dialog, good crime fighting 'stuff' and some really hot times!
More like 3.5 - 3.7 stars
This was great fun - how can you not love Rhodes and Wash? Rhodes the tough ex-cop and his smart mouth partner. They are both private detectives who end up on a case of kid selling. So really good dialog, good crime fighting 'stuff' and some really hot times!
February 27, 2015
Sometimes you need to read a book that is fun to read. This book did not pretend to be a great mystery but rather it was a sexual awaking of the two main characters as they realized that they were attracted to each other. It was funny and had some hot moments between them. There was a bit of angst between them that I could have done without.
January 28, 2012
This was a hot little story about two private eye's doing pro bono work looking for a missing 14 year old boy. There is just a bit of angst, a lot of humor and quick wit, as well as some really hot sex scenes. Rhodes and Wash are really great together and I can't wait to read the follow up story.
October 2, 2013
can't wait for the sequel
June 28, 2025
DNF, BTD=BORED TO DEATH
January 2, 2016
2.5 Stars
Meh - didn't hate it, but didn't love it either. It dragged quite a bit, and Wash's wishy-washy B.S. got real old, real fast.
Meh - didn't hate it, but didn't love it either. It dragged quite a bit, and Wash's wishy-washy B.S. got real old, real fast.
April 1, 2010
I read this after everyone was raving about the sequel. Rhodie is a former cop (more or less forced out after he is outed) who works with Wash as a PI. (They have first names but I’m not sure what they are. LOL) He’s had a crush on Wash forever but he’s straight. One night he finally confesses he’s gay which doesn’t go down well at first, but eventually things settle down and Wash confesses he’s not exactly straight either. Hmmmm. Meanwhile a young teen comes and asks them for help finding his 14 year old brother who disappeared and Rhodie’s old partner asks them to look into the murder of a young girl (who went to the same community center as the missing boy) and a suspected pedophile. So it’s the joint story of the two guys trying to figure it out (Wash isn’t sure he wants to deal with the hassle of being gay – but likes the benefits) and finding the missing boy and uncovering a pedophile ring. I really enjoyed this book, I liked both characters, Wash was really funny and flip but they were both smart and good at what they did. You meet Trevor who is a bouncer at the club where a lot of the action takes place. He has a crush on Rhodie who kind of likes him too, but he is the star of the sequel. I know Chris is going to smack me for this, but I was kind of hoping for a one-off threesome with Trevor. LOL Sorry. It would have been hot. What can I say? So I’m definitely getting the second book. I really liked the author’s writing style and the characters were very appealing.
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