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Pas de Deux
Hotshot defense attorney James Scott isn’t afraid of following his gut instinct. Even when his gut tells him that the man everybody knows is guilty is not only innocent, but a victim himself. A notorious media darling, he’s got an irresistible charm that always seems to undermine his strategic mind. Homicide detective Owen Duke dislikes him before they meet. Duke doesn’t have time for gut feelings—he lives by logic and evidence. And all the evidence tells him that Scott’s client, Hector Young, is guilty of the cold-blooded murder of a young ballerina.
Scott is willing to risk his reputation and his career on the kid’s innocence. Relentless, he convinces Duke to dig beneath the surface of the case. What’s supposed to be an open-and-shut case quickly becomes a quagmire of lies, murder, and rotting corruption. Suddenly, instead of being a thorn in Duke’s side, James Scott is the only person in San Francisco the detective can trust. And the two of them are the only people who can find the truth in time to save the life of an innocent man...
Genres: Gay / Contemporary / Mystery / Detective / Suspense / Thriller
Heat Level: 3
Length: Extended Novel
Scott is willing to risk his reputation and his career on the kid’s innocence. Relentless, he convinces Duke to dig beneath the surface of the case. What’s supposed to be an open-and-shut case quickly becomes a quagmire of lies, murder, and rotting corruption. Suddenly, instead of being a thorn in Duke’s side, James Scott is the only person in San Francisco the detective can trust. And the two of them are the only people who can find the truth in time to save the life of an innocent man...
Genres: Gay / Contemporary / Mystery / Detective / Suspense / Thriller
Heat Level: 3
Length: Extended Novel
265 pages, Kindle Edition
First published October 1, 2009
1 person is currently reading
236 people want to read
About the author
Jamie Craig
114 books173 followersJamie Craig is actually a pen name for the collaboration of authors
Vivien Dean http://www.goodreads.com/author/show/... and
Pepper Espinoza http://www.goodreads.com/author/show/...
ABOUT JAMIE CRAIG
Vivien Dean and Pepper Espinoza have been writing and publishing together as Jamie Craig since 2006. They have published with Juno Books, Samhain Publishing, Liquid Silver Books, and multiple titles with Amber Quill Press.
Pepper Espinoza has been writing and publishing erotic romance since 2005. She grew up in Utah and lives there now, where the landscape and history provide a great deal of inspiration for her work. Besides writing, she enjoys playing video games, watching movies, and going to concerts.
Vivien Dean returned to writing in 2005, and has published with Liquid Silver Books, Samhain Publishing, and Amber Quill Press. She currently resides in northern California with her husband and two children.
Vivien Dean http://www.goodreads.com/author/show/... and
Pepper Espinoza http://www.goodreads.com/author/show/...
ABOUT JAMIE CRAIG
Vivien Dean and Pepper Espinoza have been writing and publishing together as Jamie Craig since 2006. They have published with Juno Books, Samhain Publishing, Liquid Silver Books, and multiple titles with Amber Quill Press.
Pepper Espinoza has been writing and publishing erotic romance since 2005. She grew up in Utah and lives there now, where the landscape and history provide a great deal of inspiration for her work. Besides writing, she enjoys playing video games, watching movies, and going to concerts.
Vivien Dean returned to writing in 2005, and has published with Liquid Silver Books, Samhain Publishing, and Amber Quill Press. She currently resides in northern California with her husband and two children.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 38 reviews
April 22, 2023
I enjoyed this mystery/romance book but I gotta say, it’s one of the very few books that made me mad because the romance overshadowed the mystery lol This NEVER happens as I prefer them to have more romance than mystery or at least a good balance but what do you know, here I was very invested in the case and it annoyed me to read a 100 pages sex scene. 100 PAGES!!! They were cute together and the romance was very satisfactory but I needed more from that mystery. What was with that rushed and anticlimactic ending?? It’s like the author got bored after making his point with the romance and tied up the case Scooby Doo style. 🤦🏻♀️
Still, it was a pretty enjoyable book and the romance between the detective and the defense lawyer (uhum🙄 suspended disbelief ) was cute. The writing was good and the case quite interesting but very underdeveloped.
Still, it was a pretty enjoyable book and the romance between the detective and the defense lawyer (uhum🙄 suspended disbelief ) was cute. The writing was good and the case quite interesting but very underdeveloped.
April 8, 2013
REVIEW OF REREAD 7 APRIL 2013:
I couldn't recall a thing when I picked this for my next reread but ended up liking this even more than what my first review indicates:)
I have no complaints at all about the murder mystery. I didn't think it was underdeveloped. On the contrary, I thought this is one of the most balanced romance/mystery stories I've read. This is saying something because the previous reread I picked, Mexican Heat (my supposed top MM RS) was a dnf! Perhaps because I could remember most of it, having read it twice before, so I got bored halfway and ended up picking Pas de Deux. I wish there were more of these.
REVIEW OF FIRST READING OCT 2009:
This is surprising good for a Jamie Craig as I haven't been impressed with their previous work. I was hooked from the start, getting into both protags and liking both equally, something that isn't usually the case.
James Scott is a successful young lawyer and Owen Duke is a tough, well-respected detective with the SFPD. Both are out but don't make a big deal of it. In other words, they're well-adjusted, stable, mature men, albeit work-obsessed. But hey, that's how they got where they are - they both earned their stripes.
Neither are in a relationship and when Duke first meets the hotshot lawyer, there isn't any love lost. But Duke didn't take into account Scott's persistence and charm and falls for it, even if he's suspicious of Scott all the way. Duke thinks Scott is just another camera whore and publicity-hound and can't believe he's taken on a case pro bono for altruistic reasons. When Scott invites him for a drink, Duke is surprised into agreeing.
I could see the simmering chemistry between the two and glad that the initial skepticism wasn't dragged out. On the contrary, the two men start getting along well and watching them give in to their attraction was both hot and satisfying. The mystery/suspense thread sounded better than it turned out. It was under-developed and anti-climactic but I'm still giving this 5 stars because Scott and Duke worked well together once they agreed something stank about the case they were on.
Oh, and theirs is a very romantic pairing. Very feel-good even if there aren't any wedding bells. Still an HEA, for sure.
I couldn't recall a thing when I picked this for my next reread but ended up liking this even more than what my first review indicates:)
I have no complaints at all about the murder mystery. I didn't think it was underdeveloped. On the contrary, I thought this is one of the most balanced romance/mystery stories I've read. This is saying something because the previous reread I picked, Mexican Heat (my supposed top MM RS) was a dnf! Perhaps because I could remember most of it, having read it twice before, so I got bored halfway and ended up picking Pas de Deux. I wish there were more of these.
REVIEW OF FIRST READING OCT 2009:
This is surprising good for a Jamie Craig as I haven't been impressed with their previous work. I was hooked from the start, getting into both protags and liking both equally, something that isn't usually the case.
James Scott is a successful young lawyer and Owen Duke is a tough, well-respected detective with the SFPD. Both are out but don't make a big deal of it. In other words, they're well-adjusted, stable, mature men, albeit work-obsessed. But hey, that's how they got where they are - they both earned their stripes.
Neither are in a relationship and when Duke first meets the hotshot lawyer, there isn't any love lost. But Duke didn't take into account Scott's persistence and charm and falls for it, even if he's suspicious of Scott all the way. Duke thinks Scott is just another camera whore and publicity-hound and can't believe he's taken on a case pro bono for altruistic reasons. When Scott invites him for a drink, Duke is surprised into agreeing.
I could see the simmering chemistry between the two and glad that the initial skepticism wasn't dragged out. On the contrary, the two men start getting along well and watching them give in to their attraction was both hot and satisfying. The mystery/suspense thread sounded better than it turned out. It was under-developed and anti-climactic but I'm still giving this 5 stars because Scott and Duke worked well together once they agreed something stank about the case they were on.
Oh, and theirs is a very romantic pairing. Very feel-good even if there aren't any wedding bells. Still an HEA, for sure.
April 29, 2010
The Tasting:
Why I bought it:
I think (?) I bought this during an ARe sale. Seems to be a common theme with me. *coughbookslutcough*
Dislike/like (ending on a high note):
Dislike~ More of a warning~ You learn relatively early who the baddie is likely to be. This can be hit or miss with me as I generally prefer to find out 'whodunnit' myself or at the end of the book. It worked in this instance because the authors - yep, it's two authors, one pseud - continued to lead the reader through the discovery of clues, motives, etc, etc. Good pacing and advancement of plot, imo.
Like~ This may seem very simple, but I really liked the fact that Duke was out as a cop. It made such a refreshing change from the usual conflict that comes with this theme; that is, the cop is closeted and inevitably found out, blah, blah. It meant the focus could be on the mystery/suspense. Since I'm a fan of this genre it made for total win in my book. :)
Dislike~ More of a warning~ The guys don't actually get in the sack until a fair way into the book. Me, I liked that. It left more time to concentrate on the development of the characters, their relationship and the mystery side of things. There's more to life than pron, you know. ;)
Like~ The ending of Pas de Deux is a bit unusual with none of the 'we couldn't have solved the crime without our twu wuv', which you might ordinarily expect in an m/m romance of this type. This was yet another change from the standard themes and tropes of the genre and, again, hit my happy reader buttons.
So, what I think: This is the best work I've read by this author team to date. If you're into romantic suspense as I am, I would definitely suggest you give it a go. I really enjoyed it.
====================================================
‘Tasting’ is my version of a mini-review where I talk a (very) little about what I liked and disliked about a book as well as who I think the story will appeal to.Oh, and I’ve added a bit about why I picked up the book in the first place – sometimes this can be interesting to know.
Why I bought it:
I think (?) I bought this during an ARe sale. Seems to be a common theme with me. *coughbookslutcough*
Dislike/like (ending on a high note):
Dislike~ More of a warning~ You learn relatively early who the baddie is likely to be. This can be hit or miss with me as I generally prefer to find out 'whodunnit' myself or at the end of the book. It worked in this instance because the authors - yep, it's two authors, one pseud - continued to lead the reader through the discovery of clues, motives, etc, etc. Good pacing and advancement of plot, imo.
Like~ This may seem very simple, but I really liked the fact that Duke was out as a cop. It made such a refreshing change from the usual conflict that comes with this theme; that is, the cop is closeted and inevitably found out, blah, blah. It meant the focus could be on the mystery/suspense. Since I'm a fan of this genre it made for total win in my book. :)
Dislike~ More of a warning~ The guys don't actually get in the sack until a fair way into the book. Me, I liked that. It left more time to concentrate on the development of the characters, their relationship and the mystery side of things. There's more to life than pron, you know. ;)
Like~ The ending of Pas de Deux is a bit unusual with none of the 'we couldn't have solved the crime without our twu wuv', which you might ordinarily expect in an m/m romance of this type. This was yet another change from the standard themes and tropes of the genre and, again, hit my happy reader buttons.
So, what I think: This is the best work I've read by this author team to date. If you're into romantic suspense as I am, I would definitely suggest you give it a go. I really enjoyed it.
====================================================
‘Tasting’ is my version of a mini-review where I talk a (very) little about what I liked and disliked about a book as well as who I think the story will appeal to.Oh, and I’ve added a bit about why I picked up the book in the first place – sometimes this can be interesting to know.
November 24, 2009
Great story and great storyline, and don't get me wrong but I thoroughly enjoy the man on man sex which is why I read these books :snickering: but this one lost the five star rating because for me there was way too many pages of sex scenes that I felt could have been used for more action in the story other than in the bedroom.
October 31, 2019
A Joyfully Jay review.
4.25 stars
I rather enjoyed this suspense story. The two leads were a great mix of traits. I found Duke appealing, with his stone cold exterior, but soft(ish) interior. Conversely, Scott exudes slick confidence, but still battles with some insecurities. Watching these two interact was a real treat. In fact, if it weren’t for the characters themselves pointing out how fast and hard they’re falling for each other, I might not have pegged this as an instalove situation. Duke and Scott spend a lot of time together on page and they seem to be constantly in one another’s mind. I think this focused attention makes their romance feel rather grounded. Some plot devices feel conveniently convenient—like the conclusion of Duke and Scott’s first real meeting. What happens throws Duke into protector-cop mode and he ends up spending the night at Scott’s place. While they don’t immediately jump into bed together, the promise of more oozes from their interactions.
Read Camille’s review in its entirety here.
4.25 stars
I rather enjoyed this suspense story. The two leads were a great mix of traits. I found Duke appealing, with his stone cold exterior, but soft(ish) interior. Conversely, Scott exudes slick confidence, but still battles with some insecurities. Watching these two interact was a real treat. In fact, if it weren’t for the characters themselves pointing out how fast and hard they’re falling for each other, I might not have pegged this as an instalove situation. Duke and Scott spend a lot of time together on page and they seem to be constantly in one another’s mind. I think this focused attention makes their romance feel rather grounded. Some plot devices feel conveniently convenient—like the conclusion of Duke and Scott’s first real meeting. What happens throws Duke into protector-cop mode and he ends up spending the night at Scott’s place. While they don’t immediately jump into bed together, the promise of more oozes from their interactions.
Read Camille’s review in its entirety here.
November 2, 2019
4.5 stars that I've rounded up to 5 stars. Rating might be a little high, but I've had such poor luck lately finding books that I enjoyed and, if interrupted, couldn't wait to get back too and this was one that met those criteria. So, 5 stars.
A hot shot defense attorney and a workaholic homicide detective find themselves getting involved in a case that turns out it might be far more complicated than just an everyday murder. They also find out that sparks fly between the two of them but where do they squeeze in a relationship between their length work days? Great banter and sex, and a good mystery/suspense with my only real complaint of how the details in the end seemed a little rushed. And,
A hot shot defense attorney and a workaholic homicide detective find themselves getting involved in a case that turns out it might be far more complicated than just an everyday murder. They also find out that sparks fly between the two of them but where do they squeeze in a relationship between their length work days? Great banter and sex, and a good mystery/suspense with my only real complaint of how the details in the end seemed a little rushed. And,
June 28, 2011
2,5 stars.
This book way too short for my liking to deepen any intention the author's going to present. The romance is hot and nice, and that was one of the plus point in this story, but it seems to fast by my own standard. The chemistry was built enough, but the pace of their moves is still too fast to my own liking. Yet the mystery seems like covered by the romance I would say that this just romance than thriller--I mean, three sex scene covering about 100 pages all after almost 30 pages just to explain the case? That's a waste of the 30 pages earlier. Just give them sex scenes from the first page and let them detailing the case in between and I still would approve it, but after 30 pages talking about the case and then let it as a blurred subplot, that I couldn't tolerate. The final conclusion of the case is poorly beaten by the conclusion of their relationship. 2 pages to 20 pages? THAT overboarded. And oh, the detail description are lacking I could figure how Duke and Scott appearance just after 3 chapters, and it's kinda disturbing me.
But I say again, the sex was good and hot. And that's the reason to keep me stick to this. This book should have more pages and then this story would be love.
This book way too short for my liking to deepen any intention the author's going to present. The romance is hot and nice, and that was one of the plus point in this story, but it seems to fast by my own standard. The chemistry was built enough, but the pace of their moves is still too fast to my own liking. Yet the mystery seems like covered by the romance I would say that this just romance than thriller--I mean, three sex scene covering about 100 pages all after almost 30 pages just to explain the case? That's a waste of the 30 pages earlier. Just give them sex scenes from the first page and let them detailing the case in between and I still would approve it, but after 30 pages talking about the case and then let it as a blurred subplot, that I couldn't tolerate. The final conclusion of the case is poorly beaten by the conclusion of their relationship. 2 pages to 20 pages? THAT overboarded. And oh, the detail description are lacking I could figure how Duke and Scott appearance just after 3 chapters, and it's kinda disturbing me.
But I say again, the sex was good and hot. And that's the reason to keep me stick to this. This book should have more pages and then this story would be love.
January 11, 2010
Wow! This m/m romance about a cop and a lawyer (seemingly on opposing sides of a high-profile case) was suspenseful and intense. Highly recommended.
November 28, 2019
Damn. This was one hell of a good murder mystery. A case handed off to a tough detective, a defense attorney working pro bono to save an innocent man, and a lot of information that’s not adding up. And what is adding up, leads to places they really don’t want to have to go. And to a place that upsets them both. The writing in this was so good. This book kept you on your toes. You weren’t quite sure who all was involved. You could figure out most, but some things will surprise you. The exact kind of stuff a good murder mystery needs. This book was nailed.
Duke was in for a surprise when he gets handed a case that someone else was working on. He figures it’s because the main investigator had a mild heart attack and it needed to be given to someone who would give it the attention it deserves. Later Duke finds out all the true reasons and it’s a shock. But for now, he keeps running into James Scott, the defense attorney that’s constantly in the news. He has the face of an angel and a body to match. He’s persistent and Duke isn’t quite sure what to make of him at first. It doesn’t help his body’s reaction is messing with his head and it is so not the right time for it. But Duke and James discover they work well together, especially after an incident that leaves Duke having to protect James. The more they dig into this case, the more lies and secrets are unfolding and someone is causing more murders to keep an innocent man in jail to cover up what they are hiding. James is determined to get young Hector free if it’s the last thing he does. He knows it’s not right he’s in jail and Duke does too. But when they find out who is really behind it and what’s going on, they may not make it out alive. Both have been shot at and now their lives are at risk again. They just hope help arrives in time.
I love these two. I really enjoyed the dynamics between these two. They just had this connection and it’s funny because at first, they were very leery of each other and Duke couldn’t believe the fact that James was flirting with him to get his way. It was kind of funny really. Duke was so frustrated that James could play him like a fiddle. But then again, once he got to know James, he realized he was liking what he saw. But what made this even better was that they had good chemistry in working together as well. They bounced things off each other and it made things finally add up to both of them, so they could finally figure out what all was going on. Either way, they meshed well together and it just made the book that much better.
I really enjoyed it. It has everything you need for a good mystery. Great plot, great writing and great characters. I enjoyed the mystery itself and seeing it all unravel. I hope to read more from this author team in the future.
http://lovebytesreviews.com/
Duke was in for a surprise when he gets handed a case that someone else was working on. He figures it’s because the main investigator had a mild heart attack and it needed to be given to someone who would give it the attention it deserves. Later Duke finds out all the true reasons and it’s a shock. But for now, he keeps running into James Scott, the defense attorney that’s constantly in the news. He has the face of an angel and a body to match. He’s persistent and Duke isn’t quite sure what to make of him at first. It doesn’t help his body’s reaction is messing with his head and it is so not the right time for it. But Duke and James discover they work well together, especially after an incident that leaves Duke having to protect James. The more they dig into this case, the more lies and secrets are unfolding and someone is causing more murders to keep an innocent man in jail to cover up what they are hiding. James is determined to get young Hector free if it’s the last thing he does. He knows it’s not right he’s in jail and Duke does too. But when they find out who is really behind it and what’s going on, they may not make it out alive. Both have been shot at and now their lives are at risk again. They just hope help arrives in time.
I love these two. I really enjoyed the dynamics between these two. They just had this connection and it’s funny because at first, they were very leery of each other and Duke couldn’t believe the fact that James was flirting with him to get his way. It was kind of funny really. Duke was so frustrated that James could play him like a fiddle. But then again, once he got to know James, he realized he was liking what he saw. But what made this even better was that they had good chemistry in working together as well. They bounced things off each other and it made things finally add up to both of them, so they could finally figure out what all was going on. Either way, they meshed well together and it just made the book that much better.
I really enjoyed it. It has everything you need for a good mystery. Great plot, great writing and great characters. I enjoyed the mystery itself and seeing it all unravel. I hope to read more from this author team in the future.
http://lovebytesreviews.com/
October 3, 2012
I really thought this was a great book. It had an interesting plot and James and Owen were great characters. I loved the way at first Owen hated James but eventually had to admit he was right. They were both very confident characters apart from when they were around each other. The pace was slow in reading terms but it was only a matter of days in the book. The criminals were not always the criminals and the good guys were not always good. The corruption side to the plot was very interesting but did not take away from the romance for me. I loved the way James and Own worked together and they made a very good team. There was not a lot of background to the characters but I liked that I could draw my own conclusions. The ending was not very satisfying but I was satisfied with it all the same. I really would suggest giving this book a shot, its worth it :)
October 18, 2009
Mystery/Suspense. Atty James Scott takes on a pro bono case for a man (Hector) charged with murder but who James thinks is innocent. The detective newly assigned to the case is Owen Duke. James convinces Owen that Hector is innocent, and together they find out the real culprit. Meanwhile, they fall in love. Good storytelling. Likeable and able characters, smart and honest. Slow buildup to the sex but lots after that.
September 23, 2012
I kept hoping it would get better, but both characters were so full of themselves that reading their banter was like pulling teeth. Actually, it was worse. And the writing style was muddled and overcomplicated in attempt, it seems, to make the MCs appear smarter than they were. It failed. What I particularly didn't like were things like "there was obvious intelligence behind the words". There really wasn't. They were both arrogant and vain bastards that I couldn't bring myself to care about.
August 26, 2012
The romance was fine and the MC's realistic and likable. for once, the guys had real jobs and real job issues- even though the quick (professional)union of a cop and a defense attorney required some suspension of disbelief. I thout them well- drawn, finally guys who talk like guys and act as such without morphing to grunting Neanderthals in the process.
July 22, 2017
3.5 stars
I've tried to give this book a go three times already but always seemed to not be able to get past the first few pages; I have no idea why. Finally managed to read from start to finish and was pleasantly surprised that I liked it.
BUT BUT BUT I have one major complaint and this is the reason for the rating: I couldn't, for the life of me, get past the whole thing about the constant use of their last names. It felt so impersonal and I just had trouble connecting with the characters. It kept pulling me out of the story and distracting me. Honestly, I wouldn't have been surprised if they'd started calling each other by their surnames even during sex (thankfully they didn't but it was damn close).
I've tried to give this book a go three times already but always seemed to not be able to get past the first few pages; I have no idea why. Finally managed to read from start to finish and was pleasantly surprised that I liked it.
BUT BUT BUT I have one major complaint and this is the reason for the rating: I couldn't, for the life of me, get past the whole thing about the constant use of their last names. It felt so impersonal and I just had trouble connecting with the characters. It kept pulling me out of the story and distracting me. Honestly, I wouldn't have been surprised if they'd started calling each other by their surnames even during sex (thankfully they didn't but it was damn close).
September 21, 2019
I seriously loved everything about this. well written, good intrigue, hot sex.
January 5, 2010
Prominent attorney James Scott takes on the case of a young man accused of murder on a 'gut feeling' he has that Hector Young is innocent. Soon he's dealing with one of the cities best police detectives, Owen Duke, whose job it is to help put Hector away. Owen Duke is a by the book detective and when things start to not add up they'll need to work together to make sure an innocent man doesn't end up on death row.
I enjoyed this entertaining mystery/suspense story. James and Owen are well written characters and I really liked both of them. They are workaholics who truly like what they do and aren't afraid to go the extra mile for justice. When they first meet they are on opposite sides of the same case but soon they find themselves working towards a common goal, trying to prove that Hector isn't guilty as well as trying to figure out who really killed the beautiful young ballerina.
Aside from their professional relationship James and Owen soon find themselves attracted to each other in a very personally way. I really loved the development of that side of their relationship. They have great chemistry and the scenes between, whether they are just talking and getting to know each other, kissing and making out or they're making love, are all super hot.
As for the mystery aspect of the story I thought it was well done. Although it's not hard to figure out who is really responsible for the murder the build up to it was good. The story flows really well, it's fast paced and exciting and even though there's a lot going on in the book it's not so much that it feels overdone. Once the main drive of the story, the murder mystery, is solved the pace slows down and the story focuses on James and Owen. I really liked their connection at the end and was very satisfied with this book. Another great Jamie Craig story!
I enjoyed this entertaining mystery/suspense story. James and Owen are well written characters and I really liked both of them. They are workaholics who truly like what they do and aren't afraid to go the extra mile for justice. When they first meet they are on opposite sides of the same case but soon they find themselves working towards a common goal, trying to prove that Hector isn't guilty as well as trying to figure out who really killed the beautiful young ballerina.
Aside from their professional relationship James and Owen soon find themselves attracted to each other in a very personally way. I really loved the development of that side of their relationship. They have great chemistry and the scenes between, whether they are just talking and getting to know each other, kissing and making out or they're making love, are all super hot.
As for the mystery aspect of the story I thought it was well done. Although it's not hard to figure out who is really responsible for the murder the build up to it was good. The story flows really well, it's fast paced and exciting and even though there's a lot going on in the book it's not so much that it feels overdone. Once the main drive of the story, the murder mystery, is solved the pace slows down and the story focuses on James and Owen. I really liked their connection at the end and was very satisfied with this book. Another great Jamie Craig story!
March 25, 2011
I originally gave this read 4 stars and then changed my mind. Why? Because I absolutely agree with some of the other reviews that this read is outstanding for at least two reasons.
1) Solid, believable main characters, neither one of which is angst-ing about being gay, being attracted to men. Oh, yes, and let's put in that neither one of the guys is afraid to make a move without the other one. Thank you, Jamie Craig!
2) An engrossing plot. Yes, it becomes obvious fairly early who the bad guy is, but how our guys get him is very realistic.
The environment is good. The supporting characters work. Nuff said. A fine read!
1) Solid, believable main characters, neither one of which is angst-ing about being gay, being attracted to men. Oh, yes, and let's put in that neither one of the guys is afraid to make a move without the other one. Thank you, Jamie Craig!
2) An engrossing plot. Yes, it becomes obvious fairly early who the bad guy is, but how our guys get him is very realistic.
The environment is good. The supporting characters work. Nuff said. A fine read!
February 24, 2010
3.5 stars
This is one of the better m/m romances that I've read. I really liked Duke and Scott and thought they complimented each other well. Though they worked for opposite teams, Duke's a cop and Scott is a defense lawyer, they were able to put their differences aside and work together. I thought the mystery was pretty good up until it was revealed. I liked the build-up and suspense, but when it came time to tell the reader what happened, I felt that it was kind of brushed aside. It was a bit disappointing.
This is one of the better m/m romances that I've read. I really liked Duke and Scott and thought they complimented each other well. Though they worked for opposite teams, Duke's a cop and Scott is a defense lawyer, they were able to put their differences aside and work together. I thought the mystery was pretty good up until it was revealed. I liked the build-up and suspense, but when it came time to tell the reader what happened, I felt that it was kind of brushed aside. It was a bit disappointing.
May 3, 2010
I like the first half better. Looks like they do spend time working on the case and the conversations are very enjoyable. But after their "get together", the story seems to go down the road and the connections falling apart. The end is kinda rushed and it's a "happy for now" rather than "happy forever".
I like Duke better and I really enjoy reading about how Scott reacts to him. I find the "2 months apart" quite ridiculous and the way Scott talking so casually about Ben annoying.
I like Duke better and I really enjoy reading about how Scott reacts to him. I find the "2 months apart" quite ridiculous and the way Scott talking so casually about Ben annoying.
February 9, 2011
This book was a nice romance with a good mystery thrown in but But I found the fact that both characters have last names that could also be first names and that the authors switched between first and last names all the time rather distracting. Pas de Deux lost another star when they used olive oil as a lube with condoms. Either have safe sex or don't bother but this was just plain lazy writing.
November 30, 2010
3.5 really - good story - the plot was easy to figure out and I was expecting a bit more subterfuge based on the title. Overall the characters were easy to like and murder mystery was decent enough to want to read to the end.
June 13, 2013
I found the characters highly likable, the writing impressive - it just flowed and suited me perfectly. I found myself grinning at different parts in the story, which for me marks a fairly decent read. I'm not sure if I can say much else. It's a good read, and I think you should read it! :)
September 12, 2013
I enjoyed this, but there really wasn't enough conflict and tension for me. I wasn't able to really connect with either of the MC's, so I didn't really feel like I got to know them very well. But I did like the plot, even though it was pretty predictable.
June 17, 2014
This is a fine, even HOT, romance between two interesting characters, homicide detective Owen Duke and defense attorney James Scott. I liked both MC, just their sex scenes were a bit to long, at the middle I simply started to skip them and focused only on the main storyline, which made it better.
November 3, 2019
Great blend of romance and suspense
Very enjoyable suspense storyline and believable romance made for a wonderful Sunday afternoon read. Recommended to those who enjoy romantic suspense
Very enjoyable suspense storyline and believable romance made for a wonderful Sunday afternoon read. Recommended to those who enjoy romantic suspense
May 26, 2010
3,5 stars
May 17, 2012
4.5 stars. I liked the buildup for the relationship and the case they worked on. Reminds me of all those Law and Order shows...
July 18, 2011
3.5 stars. It was very well written and kept me entertained. I like the intrigue as well as the characters and the pace of the development of the relationship.
August 3, 2016
Solid book, but not my favorite by this author.
June 27, 2013
Enjoyed it.
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