What do you think?
Rate this book
Chasing Smoke
An old mystery brought them together. Solving it could tear them apart.
In the best of times, Daniel Gardner hates visiting his family. With his boyfriend pressuring him for a mortgage-serious commitment, Christmas in Easton, PA sounds, for once, like a welcome escape. His old house holds more than memories of a miserable adolescence, though. It has Trey Eriksson.
At seventeen, Trey was taken in by the wealthy Gardner family after his father was jailed for his mother’s murder. Until he left for the Army, he fought a double-edged battle—for proof of his father’s innocence and against his attraction to Daniel.
Fifteen years later, things haven’t changed. Trey is still looking for the real killer. And Daniel has never forgotten how Trey used to sneak into his room at night.
Now new clues to the murder are resurfacing—and so is Trey and Daniel’s sexual chemistry. Except this time, Trey has come to terms with his orientation.
But their connection may not be enough to overcome the mistakes of the past. Not while a murderer still walks free…
In the best of times, Daniel Gardner hates visiting his family. With his boyfriend pressuring him for a mortgage-serious commitment, Christmas in Easton, PA sounds, for once, like a welcome escape. His old house holds more than memories of a miserable adolescence, though. It has Trey Eriksson.
At seventeen, Trey was taken in by the wealthy Gardner family after his father was jailed for his mother’s murder. Until he left for the Army, he fought a double-edged battle—for proof of his father’s innocence and against his attraction to Daniel.
Fifteen years later, things haven’t changed. Trey is still looking for the real killer. And Daniel has never forgotten how Trey used to sneak into his room at night.
Now new clues to the murder are resurfacing—and so is Trey and Daniel’s sexual chemistry. Except this time, Trey has come to terms with his orientation.
But their connection may not be enough to overcome the mistakes of the past. Not while a murderer still walks free…
264 pages, Kindle Edition
First published June 9, 2009
11 people are currently reading
701 people want to read
About the author
K.A. Mitchell
43 books1,111 followersK.A. Mitchell discovered the magic of writing at an early age when she learned that a carefully crayoned note of apology sent to the kitchen in a toy truck would earn her a reprieve from banishment to her room. Her career as a spin-control artist was cut short when her family moved to a two-story house, and her trucks would not roll safely down the stairs. Around the same time, she decided that Chip and Ken made a much cuter couple than Ken and Barbie and was perplexed when invitations to play Barbie dropped off. She never stopped making stuff up, though, and was surprised to find out that people would pay her to do it. Although the men in her stories usually carry more emotional baggage than even LAX can lose in a year, she guarantees they always find their sexy way to a happy ending.
http://www.facebook.com/authorkamitchell
http://www.facebook.com/authorkamitchell
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 133 reviews
March 1, 2013
2.5 stars rounding up because I really liked these guys.
The good: Daniel and Trey. Both strong and likable characters. Daniel and Trey messed around as teenagers, ended up going their separate ways and then unexpectedly reunited 15 years later. They had a ton of chemistry together and I'm a sucker for a story about long lost love.
The Bad: Mystery/Plot - It was weak and stretched the boundaries into the land of the illogical. If you want a good mystery full of suspense, this is not a book for you.
June 9, 2013
Oh hell, I'd give it a gillion stars if possible. It's a K.A. Mitchell book and it's the best Christmas present ever. Trey and Daniel have more baggage than a passenger plane headed for Europe. I want to hug and them slap them all in the breath.
Review to be continued.
This is the story or reunited lovers. When they parted they where both in high school, with Trey denying that he was gay in spite of the feelings he has long had for Daniel.Daniel returns to his hometown, when his Mom is selling his old home and moving. It's Christmas time and the get together involve many old family ghosts as well as the ghost of lost love. When someone breaks into the family home, Daniel id reunited with Trey his old flame. Trey no longer denies the fact he is gay, but struggles to reunite with Daniel even though the sexual fires are still burning.The mystery part of the story is well done, but Trey and Daniel's relationship is the core. The bitterness, the loss, the love, the humiliation of their earlier love, is replaced with adult feelings that finally become realized in a very rewarding ending.
Once again K.A. Mitchell has wrapped me completely around her writing finger. I give this a bazillion stars. It's my kind of story.
Review to be continued.
This is the story or reunited lovers. When they parted they where both in high school, with Trey denying that he was gay in spite of the feelings he has long had for Daniel.Daniel returns to his hometown, when his Mom is selling his old home and moving. It's Christmas time and the get together involve many old family ghosts as well as the ghost of lost love. When someone breaks into the family home, Daniel id reunited with Trey his old flame. Trey no longer denies the fact he is gay, but struggles to reunite with Daniel even though the sexual fires are still burning.The mystery part of the story is well done, but Trey and Daniel's relationship is the core. The bitterness, the loss, the love, the humiliation of their earlier love, is replaced with adult feelings that finally become realized in a very rewarding ending.
Once again K.A. Mitchell has wrapped me completely around her writing finger. I give this a bazillion stars. It's my kind of story.
May 29, 2016
Loved this, as I have all of K.A.Mitchell's books. She writes great characters and great sex scenes, Makes me want to throw my laptop against the wall and give up as an author, then I say, nah. Look at what she has done and learn.
Great characters, great conflict and great emotional arcs. Good one.
Great characters, great conflict and great emotional arcs. Good one.
October 21, 2012
I have a love/hate relationship with this author's work yet I keep going back to her books. This one started out well. Daniel Gardner returns to his hometown to help his mother move. That is the excuse he gave anyway. The main reason for the trip was to escape his boyfriend of two years for awhile because said boyfriend (Scott) was pressuring him to to finally make a commitment. Daniel is a federal agent working for the Department of Homeland Security. Not long after returning to his mother's home, there are break-ins at the home. The detective in charge of the investigation just happens to be Daniel's former crush (and kind of lover) from high school, Trey. Trey had moved in with Daniel's family when he was a teenager because his mother was murdered and his father was accused of the crime. He had nowhere else to go and his father and Daniel's were former military buddies having both served in Vietnam.
First off, I liked Trey. A lot. While I didn't understand a lot of what happened when he was a teenager (in regards to Daniel) I could almost see where he was coming from. Daniel wanted more than he was willing (able) to give at the time. They separated under bad circumstances and did not have any contact at all for 15 years... until Daniel came home to help his mother. Trey has spent the past 15 years trying to find proof that his now deceased father did not kill his mother. It has been his obsession since the murder occurred.
I was not sure about Daniel. At times he was okay but then he would turn around and I would be thinking he was a big jerk. The Scott thing bugged me right off. Scott is not described as a bad guy in any way. He just wanted Daniel to commit to him or to move on. Two years they were in a relationship and when Scott has finally had enough, he ends the relationship. Daniel couldn't care less. It did not take long before Daniel was in Trey's bed and it was like Scott never existed. That made me dislike Daniel almost immediately.
There is a lot of going back and forth between Trey and Daniel. They are both put in danger as a result of the investigation that they are both continuing in regards to Trey's father. It is soon made obvious that the break-ins at Daniel's mother's home are connected to the old murder case. As far as that is concerned, I felt that there could have been more added to it to make the story more interesting. There are quite a few break-ins and even a murder attempt but the way all of it came together at the end did not do it for me. It felt too rushed and I was not satisfied with the resolution in any way.
The sex is hot in this book and there is quite a bit of it between Daniel and Trey. Daniel is bad about opening up and comes across as an ass quite a bit. I never really felt the relationship between the two and when the book ended I did not see an HEA or really even an HFN. Too many things left unresolved between the two even if plans are somewhat made for the future.
Overall, an okay story. Not bad, not good. I wish I could have been more invested in the characters and the story as a whole... and I tried, really... but none of it really worked for me. I felt that I was being told a story. I never actually felt it. In the one or two moments that I actually did feel something it was mainly anger over the lack of communication between Trey and Daniel and the way everything ended.
First off, I liked Trey. A lot. While I didn't understand a lot of what happened when he was a teenager (in regards to Daniel) I could almost see where he was coming from. Daniel wanted more than he was willing (able) to give at the time. They separated under bad circumstances and did not have any contact at all for 15 years... until Daniel came home to help his mother. Trey has spent the past 15 years trying to find proof that his now deceased father did not kill his mother. It has been his obsession since the murder occurred.
I was not sure about Daniel. At times he was okay but then he would turn around and I would be thinking he was a big jerk. The Scott thing bugged me right off. Scott is not described as a bad guy in any way. He just wanted Daniel to commit to him or to move on. Two years they were in a relationship and when Scott has finally had enough, he ends the relationship. Daniel couldn't care less. It did not take long before Daniel was in Trey's bed and it was like Scott never existed. That made me dislike Daniel almost immediately.
There is a lot of going back and forth between Trey and Daniel. They are both put in danger as a result of the investigation that they are both continuing in regards to Trey's father. It is soon made obvious that the break-ins at Daniel's mother's home are connected to the old murder case. As far as that is concerned, I felt that there could have been more added to it to make the story more interesting. There are quite a few break-ins and even a murder attempt but the way all of it came together at the end did not do it for me. It felt too rushed and I was not satisfied with the resolution in any way.
The sex is hot in this book and there is quite a bit of it between Daniel and Trey. Daniel is bad about opening up and comes across as an ass quite a bit. I never really felt the relationship between the two and when the book ended I did not see an HEA or really even an HFN. Too many things left unresolved between the two even if plans are somewhat made for the future.
Overall, an okay story. Not bad, not good. I wish I could have been more invested in the characters and the story as a whole... and I tried, really... but none of it really worked for me. I felt that I was being told a story. I never actually felt it. In the one or two moments that I actually did feel something it was mainly anger over the lack of communication between Trey and Daniel and the way everything ended.
February 17, 2018
4 Stars
But for that sort of abrupt and completely unsatisfying ending this would have been 4.5 Stars. I liked it that much. It's totally a "me" kind of book.
Of course, honestly, had I read this the year it came out I might not have been as irritated...but now? Eff all that "best interest of the country" BS. Now I say, a conspiracy like that, involving someone so highly placed in the government? Slash and burn it all down.
But for that sort of abrupt and completely unsatisfying ending this would have been 4.5 Stars. I liked it that much. It's totally a "me" kind of book.
Of course, honestly, had I read this the year it came out I might not have been as irritated...but now? Eff all that "best interest of the country" BS. Now I say, a conspiracy like that, involving someone so highly placed in the government? Slash and burn it all down.
January 2, 2015
I enjoyed the hell out of this book. Trey and Daniel were secret lovers in high school, and 15 years later they are thrust back together as a mystery unfolds in their hometown. Nice angst and hurt/comfort, and super-hot love scenes as the characters break down their barriers and grow closer. Great mix of romance, characterization and plot. Very satisfying read.
October 1, 2012
This didn't rock me off my socks but I liked it just fine. So, it's official: K.A. Mitchell is a favourite author. She "scratches all my itches."
November 21, 2014
3.5
Apparently I can't remember how to post because my review is gone.
So I'll do the short version this time.
It was okay, better than average but yes I am having trouble rustling up any real enthusiasm.
As the blurb states-Danny has a boyfriend when all this starts *My Marco Warning*
Danny was my problem. He just...exhausted me. He infuriated me. He would take fantastic moments and just ruin them with his bullshit and I don't really understand what the fuck his problem was other than being immature and stubborn. I was telling him to get over it. He didn't listen to me *smh*
Anyhow, I liked Trey, wasn't sure I would, but I did. I liked Ginny, too, she had some good lines in there.
Overall, I just didn't get it. I didn't understand what was tethering these guys, I would have had no problem walking away. SO I guess, issues or not, there wasn't a strong emotional connection that I could feel that made their roller coaster worth it.
The mystery/crime too was odd, perhaps more odd than the relationship and despite being told that it was this or that, I didn't feel the urgency.
I will read more from this author but don't think I would specifically recommend this one.
Apparently I can't remember how to post because my review is gone.
So I'll do the short version this time.
It was okay, better than average but yes I am having trouble rustling up any real enthusiasm.
As the blurb states-Danny has a boyfriend when all this starts *My Marco Warning*
Danny was my problem. He just...exhausted me. He infuriated me. He would take fantastic moments and just ruin them with his bullshit and I don't really understand what the fuck his problem was other than being immature and stubborn. I was telling him to get over it. He didn't listen to me *smh*
Anyhow, I liked Trey, wasn't sure I would, but I did. I liked Ginny, too, she had some good lines in there.
Overall, I just didn't get it. I didn't understand what was tethering these guys, I would have had no problem walking away. SO I guess, issues or not, there wasn't a strong emotional connection that I could feel that made their roller coaster worth it.
The mystery/crime too was odd, perhaps more odd than the relationship and despite being told that it was this or that, I didn't feel the urgency.
I will read more from this author but don't think I would specifically recommend this one.
December 18, 2009
When he was 17, Trey Eriksson's father was accused of murdering his mother and then attempting suicide. When he had no where to go, the rich Gardner family took him in. That's where his relationship with Daniel Gardner began. Fifteen years later, Trey is still seeking the truth about what happened to his parents and he crosses paths with Daniel once again.
Once again, K.A. Mitchell has done an excellent job of characterization. Her characters a fleshed out and realistic. They have flaws and aren't cookie cutter stereotypes.
I enjoyed the side plot of this. I liked that it wasn't just a cheap romance with nothing but sex scenes. Rather, it had a mystery plot that was interesting and kept the reader wondering. The only thing I didn't like was that it was wrapped up too quickly and easily.
Once again, K.A. Mitchell has done an excellent job of characterization. Her characters a fleshed out and realistic. They have flaws and aren't cookie cutter stereotypes.
I enjoyed the side plot of this. I liked that it wasn't just a cheap romance with nothing but sex scenes. Rather, it had a mystery plot that was interesting and kept the reader wondering. The only thing I didn't like was that it was wrapped up too quickly and easily.
June 2, 2010
Daniel "Danny" Gardner goes back to Easton, PA, visiting his family and ends up welcoming 'ghost from the past', Trey Eriksson. Danny hold a crush over Trey during his adolescence years and well, fifteen years later, it doesn't seem to change. I'm a sucker for "the one who got away" theme. So when my friend rec'd this to me and told me that this also involves a mystery, I'm pretty much intrigued.
The story is really good. I can feel the tension and buried attraction between Danny and Trey. Sometimes it's just so thick that I feel sucks in as well. Even if I get frustrated a couple of times because the two men seem to be too stubborn to admit their feeling to one another. I can't really classify this as "mystery" though since it's not heavily focused. Nevertheless, I enjoy it very much.
The story is really good. I can feel the tension and buried attraction between Danny and Trey. Sometimes it's just so thick that I feel sucks in as well. Even if I get frustrated a couple of times because the two men seem to be too stubborn to admit their feeling to one another. I can't really classify this as "mystery" though since it's not heavily focused. Nevertheless, I enjoy it very much.
October 12, 2011
I liked the premise of friends become lovers. I am a fan of that theme. I also appreciate the struggle Trey has an I think that KA does a great job allowing the ready to feel it. I also love the fact that he is so into Danny that it is easier for him when he's asleep. (you will have to read it, but there is a line about Danny being overwhelming awake, or something) His attraction to Danny hits him hard and he has a lot to internally deal with. I also like how Danny doesn't give up and seems to know Trey so well.
It is a good story and back story, and overall I enjoyed reading this book. kudos !
It is a good story and back story, and overall I enjoyed reading this book. kudos !
October 22, 2012
Trying to rate this book was hard for me. The stroy itself was not bad and the characters were okay. For me that's the problem not bad and okay are not what I enjoy in a book. Both Danny and Trey were asses in my opinion. It was hard for me to fall in love with either of them, I could not decide whether I liked either of them so I will just say they were okay characters. The most interesting part for me was trying to find out who killed Trey's mother, not the romance or their relationship. That part of the story I found very bland and boring. Not one of the best books I have ever read but its not the worst either so it gets 3 stars. :)
May 1, 2014
Though enjoyable, this feels unfinished to me.
Read
April 20, 2010Chasing Smoke is about how you never forget your first love and about a little spoiled teenager.
Daniel and Trey were friends as teenager. They were not exactly best friends, their parents were and the kids went along when the parents did. Daniel was the son of a wealthy doctor, living in the best neighborhood of the town; Trey was the son of a police officer, with an comfortable house in an average neighborhood. But it was Daniel who envied Trey; he envied his house, his parents, his life, and desiring all of that, he desires also the boy. Daniel was young and skinny, a bit of a nerd, where Trey was the next door good boy, with a cheerleaders as a girlfriend... even more than one. It's obvious than in a situation like that, when both Daniel than Trey realized that they preferred men on women, they started a secret relationship; Daniel, with all the certainty given by money and youth, was careless and full of hope in the future, and instead Trey was still in the closet, trying to be the perfect good boy that everyone thought he was.
I don't know if the relationship would have lasted, I have the feeling that Daniel was too immature, and Trey too scared. But a tragic fate gave a sudden break: Trey's mother was killed and Trey's father was framed; he went in prison while Trey was welcomed inside Daniel's home as a second son. But Daniel was not able to see Trey as a brother, and Trey was too scared to let his feeling transpire; as soon as it was possible, Trey enrolled in the Army. Daniel saw it as a betrayal, an abandonment, and also him took the first chance he had to let the city.
Years later, Daniel is an agent for Homeland Security, and he is also a playboy on the side. He has openly gay sexual relationship, also long-term relationship, but always without strings attached: as soon as one of his boyfriends try to tight the knot, Daniel runs away. I believe he still has the feeling that his story with Trey is not ended; as I said, if it was given the time to the boys to grew on their relationship, probably they would have realized it was only a teenager crush on the only other gay boy around, but like that, Trey's dreaming image became the forbidden fruit for Daniel, something he couldn't have despite all his money. Any man after him was only a means to forget Trey and didn't work. Now that Daniel is coming back home for Christmas, and Trey is there, working as a police officer in the same department as his father, even if Daniel is feigning indifference, I think he is on the prowl to capture that dream of long ago.
I like Daniel, but I said, I think he is a little spoiled. He always does what he wants, and he is very demanding, in and out the bedroom. Even when he is the submissive partner, I always have the idea that he is the one in command. On the other hand Trey is a more gentle character; it's true, he had not the courage to come out years ago, but I believe it was in his character. Trey is a man that has to ponder every move, to weight the pros and cons, but if you give him time, he always arrives to the right decision. Even years ago, if Daniel had the patience to wait for him, he would have taken the right decision.
The story is pretty sexy, there are a lot of erotic sex scene, where, as I said, Daniel is always in command, even when he is the bottom. He is demanding and eager, while Trey is caring and gentle... it's really interesting how the author was able to mingle so well the characters in and out the bedroom, maintaining their characteristics in both place.
http://www.amazon.com/dp/1605045985/?...
Daniel and Trey were friends as teenager. They were not exactly best friends, their parents were and the kids went along when the parents did. Daniel was the son of a wealthy doctor, living in the best neighborhood of the town; Trey was the son of a police officer, with an comfortable house in an average neighborhood. But it was Daniel who envied Trey; he envied his house, his parents, his life, and desiring all of that, he desires also the boy. Daniel was young and skinny, a bit of a nerd, where Trey was the next door good boy, with a cheerleaders as a girlfriend... even more than one. It's obvious than in a situation like that, when both Daniel than Trey realized that they preferred men on women, they started a secret relationship; Daniel, with all the certainty given by money and youth, was careless and full of hope in the future, and instead Trey was still in the closet, trying to be the perfect good boy that everyone thought he was.
I don't know if the relationship would have lasted, I have the feeling that Daniel was too immature, and Trey too scared. But a tragic fate gave a sudden break: Trey's mother was killed and Trey's father was framed; he went in prison while Trey was welcomed inside Daniel's home as a second son. But Daniel was not able to see Trey as a brother, and Trey was too scared to let his feeling transpire; as soon as it was possible, Trey enrolled in the Army. Daniel saw it as a betrayal, an abandonment, and also him took the first chance he had to let the city.
Years later, Daniel is an agent for Homeland Security, and he is also a playboy on the side. He has openly gay sexual relationship, also long-term relationship, but always without strings attached: as soon as one of his boyfriends try to tight the knot, Daniel runs away. I believe he still has the feeling that his story with Trey is not ended; as I said, if it was given the time to the boys to grew on their relationship, probably they would have realized it was only a teenager crush on the only other gay boy around, but like that, Trey's dreaming image became the forbidden fruit for Daniel, something he couldn't have despite all his money. Any man after him was only a means to forget Trey and didn't work. Now that Daniel is coming back home for Christmas, and Trey is there, working as a police officer in the same department as his father, even if Daniel is feigning indifference, I think he is on the prowl to capture that dream of long ago.
I like Daniel, but I said, I think he is a little spoiled. He always does what he wants, and he is very demanding, in and out the bedroom. Even when he is the submissive partner, I always have the idea that he is the one in command. On the other hand Trey is a more gentle character; it's true, he had not the courage to come out years ago, but I believe it was in his character. Trey is a man that has to ponder every move, to weight the pros and cons, but if you give him time, he always arrives to the right decision. Even years ago, if Daniel had the patience to wait for him, he would have taken the right decision.
The story is pretty sexy, there are a lot of erotic sex scene, where, as I said, Daniel is always in command, even when he is the bottom. He is demanding and eager, while Trey is caring and gentle... it's really interesting how the author was able to mingle so well the characters in and out the bedroom, maintaining their characteristics in both place.
http://www.amazon.com/dp/1605045985/?...
December 8, 2013
I expected to give Chasing Smoke a much higher rating when I started; at one point, I didn't think it was possible that I'd give it fewer than three, but my conviction began to falter two thirds into the book. The character and relationship development, pacing, and the mystery plot were a real disappointment after a promising start. I still feel as if the book had so much potential, but after the ending, I seriously considered giving it one star.
I was drawn to Daniel from the outset because he wants to do the right thing, but he's flawed. His attitude towards Scott is selfish, at worst and thoughtless, at best; he holds grudges like he has "Superglue hands," to borrow from Trey; and he's reserved to the point of callousness. At the same time, he's intelligent, protective, and occasionally, even selfless.
Trey is, perhaps, easier to like, though I never felt as if I knew him beyond the loss of his family, the military service, and the relentless search for justice. I think it made his arc more believable and more accessible than Daniel's, at least in terms of their love story, but I never understood his relationship to Easton, for instance, or his apparent dedication to the police force. There were no shortage of opportunities to explore the characters, but the author opted for sex scenes instead.
The sex scenes are good, but after the sixth or seventh, they became repetitive for me, especially since the characters themselves mention they need to become reacquainted outside the bedroom. I'd have preferred to see Trey and Daniel learn more about one another and work through their issues over the course of the book because as it is, the "happily-ever-after" doesn't ring true for me. After a series of flip-flops, Daniel abruptly declares the past behind them
My rant about the ending aside, the mystery didn't require much work on the characters' part, but I could've put that aside if the relationship had been compelling and if there'd been any . In some respects, Chasing Smoke is more dissatisfying because it came so close to excellence. I'll give K.A. Mitchell another try because she's a good enough writer and the angst worked for me. I hope in her next book, everything else will, too.
Edited on December 8th, 2013 to revise some technical issues. The content remains the same as it was on October 24th, 2013.
I was drawn to Daniel from the outset because he wants to do the right thing, but he's flawed. His attitude towards Scott is selfish, at worst and thoughtless, at best; he holds grudges like he has "Superglue hands," to borrow from Trey; and he's reserved to the point of callousness. At the same time, he's intelligent, protective, and occasionally, even selfless.
Trey is, perhaps, easier to like, though I never felt as if I knew him beyond the loss of his family, the military service, and the relentless search for justice. I think it made his arc more believable and more accessible than Daniel's, at least in terms of their love story, but I never understood his relationship to Easton, for instance, or his apparent dedication to the police force. There were no shortage of opportunities to explore the characters, but the author opted for sex scenes instead.
The sex scenes are good, but after the sixth or seventh, they became repetitive for me, especially since the characters themselves mention they need to become reacquainted outside the bedroom. I'd have preferred to see Trey and Daniel learn more about one another and work through their issues over the course of the book because as it is, the "happily-ever-after" doesn't ring true for me. After a series of flip-flops, Daniel abruptly declares the past behind them
My rant about the ending aside, the mystery didn't require much work on the characters' part, but I could've put that aside if the relationship had been compelling and if there'd been any . In some respects, Chasing Smoke is more dissatisfying because it came so close to excellence. I'll give K.A. Mitchell another try because she's a good enough writer and the angst worked for me. I hope in her next book, everything else will, too.
Edited on December 8th, 2013 to revise some technical issues. The content remains the same as it was on October 24th, 2013.
July 24, 2009
When Daniel Gardner returns to his hometown to help his Mother prepare her home for sale he does so gladly in order to escape a boyfriend pushing for a formal commitment. What he never expects is to meet up with his old high school friend/crush, Trey Eriksson, again. But when his Mother's house is broken into, it's Trey, now a Police Detective, who is assigned to investigate.
Daniel and Trey are interesting and well developed characters and the writing style is solid and enjoyable, especially during the sex scenes. These two men have both in their own ways been avoiding committed relationships and it will be a struggle for them as they try to find their way to each other.
As I mentioned at the beginning, Daniel does have a boyfriend but that relationship ends before anything happens between him and Trey so there is no real issue with infidelity. The stumbling blocks to a real relationship for them is themselves. They are emotionally withdrawn from each other and aside from the numerous times they are having sex they seem to have huge problems communicating with each other. They are mature men yet at times seem to almost revert back to teens with their alternating hot/cold attitude and their inability to express themselves.
I've loved all of K.A. Mitchell's prior books but unfortunately, I felt this book didn't match up to her others. I was disappointed with the mystery/suspense aspect of the book. In fact I found the mystery to not be a mystery at all. It seemed as if after 15 years all of the clues just miraculously fell into Daniel and Trey's hands. Break-ins, arson, a letter found in an empty desk, a picture falling out of a book, all of these occurring out of the blue just because Daniel's Mother was moving. If these things had been so incriminating and important why didn't anyone look for them during all this time?
Was the book worth reading? Yes, it definitely was. As disappointed as I was with the mystery plot I was equally taken with Daniel and Trey and their journey on the road to love. It was a bumpy ride for them but Ms Mitchell's solid writing and descriptive prose hooked me from the beginning of their story and didn't let go until the end.
Daniel and Trey are interesting and well developed characters and the writing style is solid and enjoyable, especially during the sex scenes. These two men have both in their own ways been avoiding committed relationships and it will be a struggle for them as they try to find their way to each other.
As I mentioned at the beginning, Daniel does have a boyfriend but that relationship ends before anything happens between him and Trey so there is no real issue with infidelity. The stumbling blocks to a real relationship for them is themselves. They are emotionally withdrawn from each other and aside from the numerous times they are having sex they seem to have huge problems communicating with each other. They are mature men yet at times seem to almost revert back to teens with their alternating hot/cold attitude and their inability to express themselves.
I've loved all of K.A. Mitchell's prior books but unfortunately, I felt this book didn't match up to her others. I was disappointed with the mystery/suspense aspect of the book. In fact I found the mystery to not be a mystery at all. It seemed as if after 15 years all of the clues just miraculously fell into Daniel and Trey's hands. Break-ins, arson, a letter found in an empty desk, a picture falling out of a book, all of these occurring out of the blue just because Daniel's Mother was moving. If these things had been so incriminating and important why didn't anyone look for them during all this time?
Was the book worth reading? Yes, it definitely was. As disappointed as I was with the mystery plot I was equally taken with Daniel and Trey and their journey on the road to love. It was a bumpy ride for them but Ms Mitchell's solid writing and descriptive prose hooked me from the beginning of their story and didn't let go until the end.
November 2, 2022
DNF @ 46%
While I liked the setup for this book, I'm not enjoying the execution. The mystery is boring, there are too many sex scenes and I'm not sensing any chemistry between the MCs. But my biggest problem is Daniel because he rubbed me the wrong way.
I think he was supposed to come across as a sympathetic but flawed character, but I wasn't a fan of him. He's constantly picking fights with Trey for no reason, he's passive aggressive a lot, he's constantly focused on his own issues and overall, I didn't like the way he was coming across.
His entire motivation behind wanting to get back together with Trey and wanting to re-open the case regarding Trey's father also didn't sit right with me. Daniel spent 15 years barely thinking about Trey and not giving a damn about the case, but right when his boyfriend of 2 years is demanding a more serious commitment from Daniel, all of a sudden he passive aggressively steers his boyfriend into breaking up, then he wants to get back together with Trey ASAP and dedicate himself fully to solving the case? Yeah, his motivations were ridiculously transparent and I didn't like how it once again emphasized how selfish Daniel was. It added to my dislike of his character and since nothing in the story was holding my attention anyway, I'm going to quit.
While I liked the setup for this book, I'm not enjoying the execution. The mystery is boring, there are too many sex scenes and I'm not sensing any chemistry between the MCs. But my biggest problem is Daniel because he rubbed me the wrong way.
I think he was supposed to come across as a sympathetic but flawed character, but I wasn't a fan of him. He's constantly picking fights with Trey for no reason, he's passive aggressive a lot, he's constantly focused on his own issues and overall, I didn't like the way he was coming across.
His entire motivation behind wanting to get back together with Trey and wanting to re-open the case regarding Trey's father also didn't sit right with me. Daniel spent 15 years barely thinking about Trey and not giving a damn about the case, but right when his boyfriend of 2 years is demanding a more serious commitment from Daniel, all of a sudden he passive aggressively steers his boyfriend into breaking up, then he wants to get back together with Trey ASAP and dedicate himself fully to solving the case? Yeah, his motivations were ridiculously transparent and I didn't like how it once again emphasized how selfish Daniel was. It added to my dislike of his character and since nothing in the story was holding my attention anyway, I'm going to quit.
June 12, 2009
It is no secret I am a bit of a fan girl for K.A. Mitchell and this new book was a gem.
The novel had a great hook with a return home, first love and a tightly scripted mystery that in no way detracted from the central theme of two men falling in love again. The novel has a slow, sexy burn to it and the tension between Daniel and Trey made my toes curl. The flashes back to when they’re younger feels a little illicit as you read about their burgeoning love, but it’s sensual and beautifully written and makes their interactions as adults that much more bittersweet and sexy. And hot, holy shit. O-o
I think what I enjoy most about K.A. Mitchells writing is that she understands the rhythm of a good book. Her pacing is excellent and there are no lulls where I feel inclined to ferret off to check my twitter account, or other assorted internet wankyness. I’m reading till some ridiculous hour and am still desperate to know what happens next, despite my tiredness. This is what a good book should be all about. That and making me laugh out loud at lines like …Ghosts of Erections Past… Imagery? hehe. Loved it!
http://sharrow.wordpress.com/2009/06/...
The novel had a great hook with a return home, first love and a tightly scripted mystery that in no way detracted from the central theme of two men falling in love again. The novel has a slow, sexy burn to it and the tension between Daniel and Trey made my toes curl. The flashes back to when they’re younger feels a little illicit as you read about their burgeoning love, but it’s sensual and beautifully written and makes their interactions as adults that much more bittersweet and sexy. And hot, holy shit. O-o
I think what I enjoy most about K.A. Mitchells writing is that she understands the rhythm of a good book. Her pacing is excellent and there are no lulls where I feel inclined to ferret off to check my twitter account, or other assorted internet wankyness. I’m reading till some ridiculous hour and am still desperate to know what happens next, despite my tiredness. This is what a good book should be all about. That and making me laugh out loud at lines like …Ghosts of Erections Past… Imagery? hehe. Loved it!
http://sharrow.wordpress.com/2009/06/...
January 13, 2023
Nope, I quit.
Daniel breaks up with his boyfriend of 2years who wants them to move in together. The boyfriend whose just driven for a few hours to join Daniel's family for Christmas, on Daniel's invite, and been greeted unenthusiastically. Scott does the breaking up, Daniel feels anger and relief, he'll miss gripping Scott's hair while Scott blows him. What an epitaph for 2yrs! He runs off to bump cocks with old friend Trey before Scott has even driven off.
Scott is the only decent likeable character in the book. I felt bad for him until I struggled on. Then I realised he's also the smartest person, and hot a very lucky escape.
Daniel does not read as an acclaimed H.S. person. He is selfish and quite childish.
The mystery forgotten for fifteen years, only reason to revive it is Daniel wanting in Trey's pants.
In fact the sex scenes past and present take priority to any story.
Kindle-Sort-ReRead
Filing this as 'may return one day' but not liking main character and not getting drawn in to the story. It feels predictable but I don't care enough to skim and find out.
Daniel breaks up with his boyfriend of 2years who wants them to move in together. The boyfriend whose just driven for a few hours to join Daniel's family for Christmas, on Daniel's invite, and been greeted unenthusiastically. Scott does the breaking up, Daniel feels anger and relief, he'll miss gripping Scott's hair while Scott blows him. What an epitaph for 2yrs! He runs off to bump cocks with old friend Trey before Scott has even driven off.
Scott is the only decent likeable character in the book. I felt bad for him until I struggled on. Then I realised he's also the smartest person, and hot a very lucky escape.
Daniel does not read as an acclaimed H.S. person. He is selfish and quite childish.
The mystery forgotten for fifteen years, only reason to revive it is Daniel wanting in Trey's pants.
In fact the sex scenes past and present take priority to any story.
Kindle-Sort-ReRead
Filing this as 'may return one day' but not liking main character and not getting drawn in to the story. It feels predictable but I don't care enough to skim and find out.
November 4, 2010
I started reading this book partly due to the comments I read on the site. But together with the summary... I'm glad I picked up this book.
One of the replies here described Danny as too clingy to the past and winning about unchangeable things. I sort of agree. But it wasn't that annoying to me. I felt that both characters were pushed in opposite direction by teenage emotions and a troubled past. And that time spent apart defined their personalities. But even different and separated for so long, they managed to overcome all odds and be together. I enjoyed the physical chemistry between them, the witty retorts, the action and suspense thrown in the story and most of all, the torrid sex scenes.
The only thing stopping me from giving this story a full 5 star is the fact that, as good as the author made the story... the plot just seemed to lack something. The mystery was pretty average and it felt a bit strange for Trey to walk away from it after dedicating 15 years to it. Even if it was in the name of love. But all in all, it made for a very interesting read.
One of the replies here described Danny as too clingy to the past and winning about unchangeable things. I sort of agree. But it wasn't that annoying to me. I felt that both characters were pushed in opposite direction by teenage emotions and a troubled past. And that time spent apart defined their personalities. But even different and separated for so long, they managed to overcome all odds and be together. I enjoyed the physical chemistry between them, the witty retorts, the action and suspense thrown in the story and most of all, the torrid sex scenes.
The only thing stopping me from giving this story a full 5 star is the fact that, as good as the author made the story... the plot just seemed to lack something. The mystery was pretty average and it felt a bit strange for Trey to walk away from it after dedicating 15 years to it. Even if it was in the name of love. But all in all, it made for a very interesting read.
August 30, 2009
3.5 stars
This book just never really clicked for me. I'm not really sure why - the writing was good and the story was really interesting. I guess the characters just never gelled. Usually when that happens it's because they weren't well drawn, but that's not the case here - Mitchell did a good job with the story and characters as always. I just never felt connected to them. They were both hard and cold and I never felt any kind of warmth for or from them. And I felt like their motivations were a little unclear. They kept going back and forth between wanting to be together and being pissed at each other and it wasn't always clear why. The ending was a little abrupt and some of the secondary characters felt kind of random and without purpose.
The mystery was good though. I like m/m romance that has an actual plot and this one was good. And like I said, the writing was generally up to Mitchell's usual standards. It just never really came together for me.
This book just never really clicked for me. I'm not really sure why - the writing was good and the story was really interesting. I guess the characters just never gelled. Usually when that happens it's because they weren't well drawn, but that's not the case here - Mitchell did a good job with the story and characters as always. I just never felt connected to them. They were both hard and cold and I never felt any kind of warmth for or from them. And I felt like their motivations were a little unclear. They kept going back and forth between wanting to be together and being pissed at each other and it wasn't always clear why. The ending was a little abrupt and some of the secondary characters felt kind of random and without purpose.
The mystery was good though. I like m/m romance that has an actual plot and this one was good. And like I said, the writing was generally up to Mitchell's usual standards. It just never really came together for me.
April 30, 2010
Damn this was good.
Quote:
He'd suffered agony as he tried not to stare when Trey dressed in their room, tried to ignore the smell of him fresh and soapy or full of summer. Nights of knowing all Daniel had to do was roll over to see Trey's eyes glitter in the dark, to reach into the space between their beds to touch him.
Daniel could jerk off every hour for a year and not make for spending that summer with an almost constant hard-on.
He ignored the way the Ghosts of Erections Past had his ** twitching....
Quote:
He'd suffered agony as he tried not to stare when Trey dressed in their room, tried to ignore the smell of him fresh and soapy or full of summer. Nights of knowing all Daniel had to do was roll over to see Trey's eyes glitter in the dark, to reach into the space between their beds to touch him.
Daniel could jerk off every hour for a year and not make for spending that summer with an almost constant hard-on.
He ignored the way the Ghosts of Erections Past had his ** twitching....
August 25, 2010
Very good m/m romantic suspense about a Homeland Security Agent who's back in town helping get his mom's house ready to sell, when he runs into his high school crush. Will an mystery from their pasts bring them closer together or drive them further apart?
November 17, 2012
My absolute favorite KA Mitchell book. I love all her stuff but for some reason, this one just got me.
June 6, 2014
Honestly, I have not had a lot of luck with this author but I would say it just turned around. I liked this one a lot.
August 15, 2009
This story is about childhood friends who were brief lovers but are thrown together fifteen years later to solve the mystery that has haunted both men and may revive their jilted romance. Unfortunately the mystery aspect is obvious, trite, and poorly conceived on every level. Even the relationship between the two men is distant, cold, and unappealing. Although the writing shines in the sex scenes, which are numerous and lengthy, the plot was weak and riddled with holes that even hot sex can’t fill. I personally was bored with the predictable and disjointed plot that even two hot men having sex couldn’t pull my attention back in unfortunately.
The premise of the story revolves around the shooting of Trey’s parents fifteen years ago. Since then Trey has been on a mission to prove that his father wasn’t responsible for the alleged murder/attempted suicide and now that Danny is back in town, together they can solve the long standing mystery. At the same time Trey and Danny must examine their feelings for each other and whether they want more than just sexual chemistry as they work to find the answer to the question of Trey’s parents’ deaths.
The actual mystery is anything but as there are several plot holes, dangling information, leaps of knowledge, and everything hinges on the finding of ridiculous clues in very classic “ah ha” moments. These include the infamous and essential picture leaping out of a randomly dropped book, the single letter as the only thing left in an emptied drawer, and numerous attempted break-ins, assaults, and arsons which are never solved but blamed on the most influential and obvious suspect. Of course Danny and Trey have no evidence for any of this and never accumulate any either, with no reason to leap to the wild accusations they do. Nor is there any evidence offered in any coherent, intelligent discussion. Instead everything is based off a picture in very confusing and disjointed assumptions. This entire storyline was distracting and detrimental to the story as it was not the book’s strength. The resolution at the end was over the top ridiculous–almost eye rolling—and predictable from extremely early on in the book.
So while the mystery portion was surprisingly bad from a previously solid author, the relationship between Danny and Trey is shockingly not much better. Danny and Trey were teenage friends who fooled around some but due to inexperience, immaturity, and sexual confusion, nothing came of their fooling around. Danny alternatively holds a grudge about this non-starter relationship with Trey which leads him to be cold and standoffish at times. Other times Danny seems to get over the grudge and ignores their past history, correctly excusing the behavior of two immature and confused teenagers. This back and forth continues for most of the book where the main tension is from both men thinking all they are doing is having great sex without much more depth or context to their relationship. Considering these two already knew each other as teenagers, the story and writing offers no new insight into their personality and nothing to create added depth to these men as adults.
Both Danny and Trey are sketched outlines of men without the color, texture, and weight to bring them to live and give believable tension to their relationship. The alternatively hot/cold emotional battle the men go through was distracting because there was no reason for it. Both men early on decide they want more but they are afraid to ask for a real relationship, thus leaving this as two men who are willing to have sex frequently and in every conceivable way but won’t talk about the dreaded feelings. This trope didn’t feel especially fresh or unique in this story but felt staid and predictable. Furthermore, there was so much sex that didn’t lead to deepening the relationship but instead filled at least a third, if not more, of the book with hot, fluff sex. The final resolution to both the relationship and mystery happened in the same weird, dramatic scene with both men storming out of the room at different points. The tension and provocation for this emotional and dramatic scene was missing and left these men looking like children having a temper tantrum by storming out.
So if the mystery didn’t work and the relationship wasn’t much better – what did work? Well this actually isn’t a lost cause because the author is clearly talented and a strong writer. The mystery theme here overwhelmed and destroyed the book in my opinion but otherwise the relationship and complexity of the men could have rightfully starred. While the relationship wasn’t successful, this was due to the blending of the action plot with hot sex, leaving the men unexplored. The few scenes where the men did actually interact with some tension and emotions were wonderful scenes that stood out and snapped the attention and focus back to the main characters. The secondary character of Ginny was strong and colorful but again, given no purpose. Even the reason she was introduced at the awkward dinner at Trey’s was never explained and she steals the attention in scenes without a reason. But the character was vivid and interesting.
This story has high points that show the author’s real strength in creating dynamic characters and the premise of the story was great. Unfortunately the ill-conceived and poorly executed mystery overwhelmed and overshadowed the entire book, ruining the potential between the leading men. This is not a slam dunk for the talented author and I hope mystery themes will be markedly absent in future stories. The real strength and positive aspects of the story are the characters themselves and no doubt the next story will rightfully focus back on these elements to readers’ delight.
The premise of the story revolves around the shooting of Trey’s parents fifteen years ago. Since then Trey has been on a mission to prove that his father wasn’t responsible for the alleged murder/attempted suicide and now that Danny is back in town, together they can solve the long standing mystery. At the same time Trey and Danny must examine their feelings for each other and whether they want more than just sexual chemistry as they work to find the answer to the question of Trey’s parents’ deaths.
The actual mystery is anything but as there are several plot holes, dangling information, leaps of knowledge, and everything hinges on the finding of ridiculous clues in very classic “ah ha” moments. These include the infamous and essential picture leaping out of a randomly dropped book, the single letter as the only thing left in an emptied drawer, and numerous attempted break-ins, assaults, and arsons which are never solved but blamed on the most influential and obvious suspect. Of course Danny and Trey have no evidence for any of this and never accumulate any either, with no reason to leap to the wild accusations they do. Nor is there any evidence offered in any coherent, intelligent discussion. Instead everything is based off a picture in very confusing and disjointed assumptions. This entire storyline was distracting and detrimental to the story as it was not the book’s strength. The resolution at the end was over the top ridiculous–almost eye rolling—and predictable from extremely early on in the book.
So while the mystery portion was surprisingly bad from a previously solid author, the relationship between Danny and Trey is shockingly not much better. Danny and Trey were teenage friends who fooled around some but due to inexperience, immaturity, and sexual confusion, nothing came of their fooling around. Danny alternatively holds a grudge about this non-starter relationship with Trey which leads him to be cold and standoffish at times. Other times Danny seems to get over the grudge and ignores their past history, correctly excusing the behavior of two immature and confused teenagers. This back and forth continues for most of the book where the main tension is from both men thinking all they are doing is having great sex without much more depth or context to their relationship. Considering these two already knew each other as teenagers, the story and writing offers no new insight into their personality and nothing to create added depth to these men as adults.
Both Danny and Trey are sketched outlines of men without the color, texture, and weight to bring them to live and give believable tension to their relationship. The alternatively hot/cold emotional battle the men go through was distracting because there was no reason for it. Both men early on decide they want more but they are afraid to ask for a real relationship, thus leaving this as two men who are willing to have sex frequently and in every conceivable way but won’t talk about the dreaded feelings. This trope didn’t feel especially fresh or unique in this story but felt staid and predictable. Furthermore, there was so much sex that didn’t lead to deepening the relationship but instead filled at least a third, if not more, of the book with hot, fluff sex. The final resolution to both the relationship and mystery happened in the same weird, dramatic scene with both men storming out of the room at different points. The tension and provocation for this emotional and dramatic scene was missing and left these men looking like children having a temper tantrum by storming out.
So if the mystery didn’t work and the relationship wasn’t much better – what did work? Well this actually isn’t a lost cause because the author is clearly talented and a strong writer. The mystery theme here overwhelmed and destroyed the book in my opinion but otherwise the relationship and complexity of the men could have rightfully starred. While the relationship wasn’t successful, this was due to the blending of the action plot with hot sex, leaving the men unexplored. The few scenes where the men did actually interact with some tension and emotions were wonderful scenes that stood out and snapped the attention and focus back to the main characters. The secondary character of Ginny was strong and colorful but again, given no purpose. Even the reason she was introduced at the awkward dinner at Trey’s was never explained and she steals the attention in scenes without a reason. But the character was vivid and interesting.
This story has high points that show the author’s real strength in creating dynamic characters and the premise of the story was great. Unfortunately the ill-conceived and poorly executed mystery overwhelmed and overshadowed the entire book, ruining the potential between the leading men. This is not a slam dunk for the talented author and I hope mystery themes will be markedly absent in future stories. The real strength and positive aspects of the story are the characters themselves and no doubt the next story will rightfully focus back on these elements to readers’ delight.
March 1, 2017
I loved that it started with the plot and action right from the first word. That's the type of hook that draws me in and keeps me from being bored. But then it devolved into telling about the past, stuff we didn't know yet.
At times I really liked the language. Here's some dialog between the MC and his mother
I didn't feel the chemistry at all. When they were thinking about sex, they were both in to it. But the rest of the time they just bickered and fought. Trey in particular thought really obnoxious and judgmental things about Danny constantly, talking about how Danny \ must be a snob because he has expensive things. He is disgusted even though Daniel never says anything even remotely judgmental. They're both kind of assholes.
Way too much sex. At least there was a plot.
Daniel was a dick, wanting and even fooling around with an ex while his boyfriend who was hopelessly in love with him came four hours to spend Christmas with him just as he'd asked. When Scott was so nice about the break up, Daniel was a total ass to him.
You can't have one person with a double run and another with double aces around in pinochle.
Thai food isn't eaten with chopsticks. You have to ask for them and you'll look like an idiot. Tamarind sauce is Indian, not Thai. A bowl of noodles doesn't sound very Thai either.
The parents have been divorced for 10 years and don't sound close at all (his father says at one point that he had that the mother was moving from Danny's brother) but his father gets into Danny's mom's house and makes coffee and Danny doesn't think it's weird. Then he puts his dad to bed there in the house. Isn't that a little strange?
When did they decide to stop having sex? I missed something.
I'm not quite sure how a picture of two men exchanging something small in the background constitutes proof of .
Bleah
At times I really liked the language. Here's some dialog between the MC and his mother
"Where are you going?”But there was too much I didn't like.
“To look around.”
“Why don’t you wait for the police?”
“I am the police, Mother.”
“You work for the government.”
“As a policeman.” He’d been on a desk for six years, analyzing data for Homeland Security, but he was still a cop. He’d transferred from the FBI as soon as the department was created.
“Why don’t you wait for your brother?”
Daniel summoned as much patience as he could muster. “Rob is an orthodontist. Unless the criminals need their braces tightened, I think I’m better able to handle it.”
I didn't feel the chemistry at all. When they were thinking about sex, they were both in to it. But the rest of the time they just bickered and fought. Trey in particular thought really obnoxious and judgmental things about Danny constantly, talking about how Danny \ must be a snob because he has expensive things. He is disgusted even though Daniel never says anything even remotely judgmental. They're both kind of assholes.
Way too much sex. At least there was a plot.
Daniel was a dick, wanting and even fooling around with an ex while his boyfriend who was hopelessly in love with him came four hours to spend Christmas with him just as he'd asked. When Scott was so nice about the break up, Daniel was a total ass to him.
You can't have one person with a double run and another with double aces around in pinochle.
Thai food isn't eaten with chopsticks. You have to ask for them and you'll look like an idiot. Tamarind sauce is Indian, not Thai. A bowl of noodles doesn't sound very Thai either.
The parents have been divorced for 10 years and don't sound close at all (his father says at one point that he had that the mother was moving from Danny's brother) but his father gets into Danny's mom's house and makes coffee and Danny doesn't think it's weird. Then he puts his dad to bed there in the house. Isn't that a little strange?
When did they decide to stop having sex? I missed something.
I'm not quite sure how a picture of two men exchanging something small in the background constitutes proof of .
Bleah
March 26, 2012
Originally reviewed on my blog
Daniel Gardner has just returned to his parents' home for Christmas. He could have done without this visit though. He had sworn when he was a teenager that he would leave "this shit hole of a town and never come back". What makes his visit a bit more "interesting" and panicky is that a) his parents' house is broken into b) his boyfriend is pushing him to think about buying a house together and c) the detective who shows up for the break-in report is Trey Eriksson - the guy who was the reason that Danny had run away from that town fifteen years ago.
Trey was taken in by Danny's family after his father shot and killed his mom and then turned the gun on himself. Pitying looks and silence was a part of when he met people. But what confused him even more, in that time, was the crazy, unstoppable attraction that he felt towards Danny. Now after fifteen years, Special Agent Daniel Gardner has returned from DC. All he can see is that arc of attraction that was there fifteen years, flare even more brightly.
The story was gripping, the suspense believable and wonderful. What I liked the most in the story was the two main characters of Trey and Danny. I was amazed by the sheer bulled headed stubbornness in both of them. It made a helluva story. Daniel didn't come across as a lost boy anymore than Trey came across as a needy person. What moved the story forward was their unresolved feelings.
We are never told why did Danny move away or why did Trey pack up and leave to join the army. I had thought it to be something of a big problem which would be revealed at the end of the book. But it wasn't so. Basically, it was what I call the "Me Tarzan" syndrome. "Me Guy. Me No Talk". Omg the communication issues that were lurking drove me crazy! But then again that was a beauty of the story. The MCs were angsty enough to keep me interested in the story and the character development but they were solid enough that they didn't veer away from their natures.
I really don't have any complaints in the story other than the fact that the end was a bit abrupt? I am not saying I didn't like it. But I would have liked a bit more follow up or a bit more of what happened later. May be I just didn't like to let go of the characters? :)
Daniel Gardner has just returned to his parents' home for Christmas. He could have done without this visit though. He had sworn when he was a teenager that he would leave "this shit hole of a town and never come back". What makes his visit a bit more "interesting" and panicky is that a) his parents' house is broken into b) his boyfriend is pushing him to think about buying a house together and c) the detective who shows up for the break-in report is Trey Eriksson - the guy who was the reason that Danny had run away from that town fifteen years ago.
Trey was taken in by Danny's family after his father shot and killed his mom and then turned the gun on himself. Pitying looks and silence was a part of when he met people. But what confused him even more, in that time, was the crazy, unstoppable attraction that he felt towards Danny. Now after fifteen years, Special Agent Daniel Gardner has returned from DC. All he can see is that arc of attraction that was there fifteen years, flare even more brightly.
The story was gripping, the suspense believable and wonderful. What I liked the most in the story was the two main characters of Trey and Danny. I was amazed by the sheer bulled headed stubbornness in both of them. It made a helluva story. Daniel didn't come across as a lost boy anymore than Trey came across as a needy person. What moved the story forward was their unresolved feelings.
We are never told why did Danny move away or why did Trey pack up and leave to join the army. I had thought it to be something of a big problem which would be revealed at the end of the book. But it wasn't so. Basically, it was what I call the "Me Tarzan" syndrome. "Me Guy. Me No Talk". Omg the communication issues that were lurking drove me crazy! But then again that was a beauty of the story. The MCs were angsty enough to keep me interested in the story and the character development but they were solid enough that they didn't veer away from their natures.
I really don't have any complaints in the story other than the fact that the end was a bit abrupt? I am not saying I didn't like it. But I would have liked a bit more follow up or a bit more of what happened later. May be I just didn't like to let go of the characters? :)
August 15, 2013
I think I have to say that K. A. Mitchell did it again for me. Trey and Danny -he tries to say he prefers 'Daniel' but there is something about the way Trey says 'Danny' that is irresistable and even as the reader it's unmistakable- knew each other as teenagers. They fumbled around, including with each other, and their lives separated suddenly, no closure, and were left with just the mutual hurt and assumptions, magnified through the exaggerated lens of a teenager.
Fifteen years later and they are thrown together on a case, well cases, involving both of their families and many bad decisions and injustices. They struggle back and forth, one of them pulling while the other pushes. There is clearly an incredible connection here evidenced both by the fantastically delicious heat between them and their long held knowledge of each other. Or so they think when it comes to some things.
People don't change in some ways,but in others, they definitely do. They both suffer from trying to work with each other, like each other, and maybe even love each other by interpreting words and actions through the prism of the past instead of through what is right in front of their faces. I think most people can relate to that.
I really liked how they were both written, their banter and interactions, or lack thereof, and the sex is pretty hot, and highly emotional at times. This is a keeper and I definitely recommend it.
Fifteen years later and they are thrown together on a case, well cases, involving both of their families and many bad decisions and injustices. They struggle back and forth, one of them pulling while the other pushes. There is clearly an incredible connection here evidenced both by the fantastically delicious heat between them and their long held knowledge of each other. Or so they think when it comes to some things.
People don't change in some ways,but in others, they definitely do. They both suffer from trying to work with each other, like each other, and maybe even love each other by interpreting words and actions through the prism of the past instead of through what is right in front of their faces. I think most people can relate to that.
I really liked how they were both written, their banter and interactions, or lack thereof, and the sex is pretty hot, and highly emotional at times. This is a keeper and I definitely recommend it.
January 31, 2018
Hmmmm ... I need to mull over my rating for a bit!! I am leaning toward 3 or 3.25 - mayyybe a bit higher - stars, because there WERE aspects in this book that I DID like and holy shit the sex was SCORCHING, but I remain to unsatisfied by the ending/HFN to go much higher!! I need to think a little bit ... though I will say that this was a much better reading experience than the other books I've read that were written by this author :-)!!
************
Alright, so I had a VERY bad experience with two of this author's books, but I own a few more and have no choice but to read them :-/ [because hey, I want to honor the money I spend], so I really REALLY hope this book is much much MUCH better than those were!! I CAN promise that I won't let those experiences color my experience with this book and will give it a fair and decent chance!! The rating, whatever it ends up being, WILL be a fair and sincere one! So take that for what it is!!
Here we go ...
*****
Four stars?!? Five stars?!!? COME ON, let's be realistic, guys o__O!!
************
Alright, so I had a VERY bad experience with two of this author's books, but I own a few more and have no choice but to read them :-/ [because hey, I want to honor the money I spend], so I really REALLY hope this book is much much MUCH better than those were!! I CAN promise that I won't let those experiences color my experience with this book and will give it a fair and decent chance!! The rating, whatever it ends up being, WILL be a fair and sincere one! So take that for what it is!!
Here we go ...
*****
Four stars?!? Five stars?!!? COME ON, let's be realistic, guys o__O!!
Displaying 1 - 30 of 133 reviews